COVID-19 and ophthalmology: an underappreciated occupational hazard
Irene C. Kuo, Terrence P. O’Brien
Abstract
The proximity required of a thorough biomicroscopic slit-lamp examination may put ophthalmologists at increased risk for respiratory-borne infection with SARS-CoV-2. Conjunctivitis has been described in a few patients with COVID-19 and other coronavirus syndromes. Although SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in the conjunctival secretions or tears of patients with COVID-19 and conjunctivitis, transmission of infection through respiratory droplets to ophthalmologists without eye protection or masks may be the bigger concern.
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)MedicineOphthalmologyHazardBetacoronavirusVirologyInternal medicineChemistryInfectious disease (medical specialty)Organic chemistryOutbreakDiseaseRetinal and Optic ConditionsCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsFacial Trauma and Fracture Management