A new information comes to the fore every day about the Coronavirus, which surrounds the whole world and is seen in our country as of March 11, 2020. The recognition process of the virus and the reactions it creates in the body are updated with new information. The latest information is that conjunctivitis, known as an eye disease, may be the new symptom of Coronavirus, which threatens the whole world. Seiko Optik Turkey Eye Health Consultant Opr. Dr.
Özgür Gözpınar warns about protecting the eyes against all viral infections and avoiding contact with hands.
Conjunctivitis, which is defined as an infectious eye disease, is defined as the inflammation of the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, which occurs as a result of infection. Conjunctivitis, especially caused by a viral, bacterial or sometimes allergic reaction, is commonly known as conjunctivitis
in the community. This disease, which is familiar to the society and not given much importance, has started to be questioned again with the Coronavirus. In studies, it was observed that while symptoms of conjunctivitis eye disease were found in approximately one percent of Covid-19 patients, this conjunctivitis picture was not distinguished from classical conjunctivitis findings. The virus can be transmitted to the conjunctiva in case of sneezing, sneezing droplet infection, or it can be transmitted to other people by contact with this area, that is, the conjunctiva and tears. Seiko Optik Turkey Eye Health Consultant Opr. Dr. Özgür Gözpınar, “The eyes have a great effect on the spread of viral infections. Because viral infections enter the body through the mucous membranes. The most valuable mucous points on the face are the mouth, nose and eyes.
“It is important to protect the eyes in all viral infections”
In this respect, the protection of the eyes is very valuable in all viral infections. Especially nowadays, while the most obvious signs of Coronavirus are listed as fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, conjunctivitis may be a new symptom of Coronavirus. Protecting the eyes is very valuable in this process. Especially washing hands, avoiding too much contact with the eyes. For many reasons, such as itching, watering, pain, our hands are always in contact with the eyes or reflexively rubbing the eyes. Nowadays, when we spend most of our time at home, with the increase in the use of reading and digital devices
eyes get tired, hands get tired n eye contact also increases. It is important to be more careful by controlling natural reflexes,’ he says.
Avoid touching your eyes with your hands
Gözpınar said, ‘Precautions are taken against the virus with masks for mouth and nose contamination. Glasses will also be relatively protective for the eyes. Our offer is on the side of those who do not have eye problems to go out using sunglasses or non-prescription glasses. In this process, those who use contact lenses again need to be very careful
. Since it is a form of use with heavy hand contact, it will be more real to use glasses instead of contact lenses, if possible. Glasses can also be a stimulant in the naturally developing reflex of touching and rubbing. Those who do not have eye problems and read books or use computers, phones, tablets can use relaxing or non-prescription glasses. Thus, the reflex to touch the eyes as a result of watering and fatigue is reduced. However, the issue to be considered here is that there may be redness in the eyes for many different reasons. “This alone should not be perceived as a coronavirus symptom, and hospitals and clinics should not be flocked to, non-emergency eye examinations should be postponed, and one should not be in hospital environments too often,” he said. General symptoms of conjunctivitis; popular redness, swollen and red eyelids, watering in the eyes, itching and burning in the eyes, burr formation, light sensitivity and swelling in the ear area. If conjunctivitis is detected and treated quickly, it does not cause permanent damage to the eye such as vision damage.
