Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Ophthalmology, Shafa Hospital, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2
Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
3
Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
4
HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
10.34172/jhad.92345
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has a range of manifestations among different patients. Knowing the various manifestations of COVID-19 could help in better managing the infection. This study aimed to investigate the ocular manifestations of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Methods: In this study, 379 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Afzalipour hospital, a tertiary care academic medical center in Kerman city, were recruited. Demographic variables (age and sex), history of systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension), systemic COVID-19 signs and symptoms (respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and sensory), and the severity of the disease were evaluated. Patients were asked about ophthalmic symptoms. If a patient had serious ocular complaints, such as ocular pain or vision loss, and needed specialized examination, an ophthalmologist examined the patient.
Results: The patients’ mean (standard deviation) age was 54.2 (15.8) years. Overall, 46 patients (12.1%, 95% confidence interval: 9.0–15.8) showed at least one ocular manifestation. The most common signs and symptoms among those with ocular manifestations were redness (n = 37, 80.4%), discharge (n = 35, 76.1%), lacrimation (n = 31, 67.4%), itching (n = 15, 32.6%), and dry eye sensation (n = 15, 32.6%). Ocular manifestations were more prevalent among those ≥ 60 years old, those with hospitalization days > 7 days, those with more severe respiratory system involvement, and diabetic patients.
Conclusion: One out of eight COVID-19 inpatients showed at least one ocular manifestation. As tear and ocular secretions are considered a route for coronavirus transmission, it is essential to pay attention to the early detection of ocular manifestations.
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