Pink eye may be primary symptom of COVID-19: Study

Toronto, Jun 19 (PTI) While coughing, fever and difficulty in breathing are common symptoms of COVID-19, a new case study has found that pink eye is also a reason to be tested for disease.

study, published in Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, determined that conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis can also be primary symptoms of COVID-19.

researchers ted that in March, a 29-year-old woman arrived at Royal Alexandra Hospital's Eye Institute of Alberta with a severe case of conjunctivitis and minimal respiratory symptoms.

After patient had undergone several days of treatment with little improvement -- and after it had been determined that woman had recently returned home from Asia -- a resident ordered a COVID-19 test.

test came back positive, according to researchers.

"What is interesting in this case, and perhaps very different to how it had been recognised at that specific time, was that main presentation of illness was t a respiratory symptom. It was eye," said Carlos Solarte, an assistant professor at University of Alberta in Canada.

"re was fever and cough, so we weren't led to suspect COVID-19 at beginning. We didn't kw it could present primarily with eye and t with lungs," Solarte said.

Academic studies at outset of pandemic identified conjunctivitis as a secondary symptoms in about 10 to 15 per cent of COVID-19 cases, he said.

Since n, scientists have gained greater kwledge of how virus can transmit through and affect body's mucous membrane system, of which conjunctiva -- clear, thin membrane that covers front surface of eye -- is an extension.

While finding provides important new health information for public, it also makes eye exams more complicated for ophthalmologists and staff, researchers ted.

" patient in this case eventually recovered well without any issues. But several of residents and staff who were in close contact with patient had to be under quarantine," said Solarte.

"Fortunately, ne who were involved in her care also tested positive," he said.

Patients coming into an eye clinic with conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis are w treated as potential cases of COVID-19 and extra precautions are taken by staff, according to researchers.