Look out for this unusual sign of COVID-19
Though the initial signs of COVID are primarily related to the respiratory system, over time, the contagious coronavirus travels to other parts of the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms. In the past two years, several new signs of the disease have been revealed that are not related to the lungs, the organ where the virus multiplies. And new additions are being made to the long list of coronavirus symptoms every other day. Recently researchers discovered a new sign reported in about 20 percent of the people infected with the coronavirus: Dry eyes.
The ignored symptom of coronavirus
As per a study carried out by the researchers of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, people infected with the contagious virus are at a greater risk of developing dry eye disease (DED). The researchers drew this conclusion after reviewing 228 cases of the recovered COVID-19 patient from one to three months after infection. They compared their records with those of 109 healthy people, following which they revealed that patients infected with coronavirus are at a high risk of eye disease.
What are the signs of eye disease?
The most common sign of dry eye disease caused after the coronavirus infection is blurred vision, followed by itching, pain and burning sensations. Tearing, discharge and redness can also be witnessed in some cases. The researchers also mentioned few less common signs of COVID-19 like grittiness, light sensitivity and lid swelling.
What leads to dry eyes in the case of coronavirus infection
It is not the first time that dry eyes have been linked with coronavirus infection. A 2021 review study suggests that about 1 in 10 people infected with the novel coronavirus have symptoms of eye problems and the most common issue is dryness. Studies have clearly established that dry eyes can be a telltale sign of the disease, but what leads to the condition is still unknown. It is believed that there could be a link between COVID-19 and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2); the cells present the membrane covering the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. Coronavirus binds to the ACE2 to enter and infect cells, leading to a wide range of eye-related symptoms.
Other reasons for dry eyes
Researchers' views on considering dry eyes as a sign of coronavirus are divided. Though several studies established a clear link, some researchers believe that dryness in the eyes can be caused due to several reasons that are unrelated to COVID-19. Even wearing a mask for a long time and working on the laptop screen can lead to this condition.
Read more: COVID infection: Signs you have a weak immune system
Treatment
In most cases, it has been found that the eye related symptoms caused by COVID-19 resolve without treatment within a few weeks. Else over-the-counter artificial tears can help to reduce the symptoms. If the discomfort does not go on its own or is bothering you a lot, it is better to consult a doctor. There are few other options which you may try to get relief from dry eyes, like:
Avoid smoke, direct air flow, and wind
Drink sufficient amount of water per day
Use a humidifier to keep the air from drying out
Use warm compresses on the eyes
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