Ophthalmic manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 and ocular side effects of investigational pharmacologic agents

Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2020 Sep;31(5):403-415. doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000682.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To compile and report the ocular manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and summarize the ocular side effects of investigational treatments of this disease.

Recent findings: Conjunctivitis is by far the most common ocular manifestation of COVID-19 with viral particles being isolated from tears/secretions of infected individuals. Multiple therapeutic options are being explored across a variety of medication classes with diverse ocular side effects.

Summary: Eye care professionals must exercise caution, as conjunctivitis may be the presenting or sole finding of an active COVID-19 infection. While no currently studied therapeutic agents have been found to reliably treat COVID-19, early vaccination trials are progressing and show promise. A video abstract is available for a more detailed summary. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COOP/A36.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification*
  • COVID-19
  • Conjunctivitis, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Conjunctivitis, Viral / drug therapy
  • Conjunctivitis, Viral / virology
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / etiology*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / prevention & control
  • Drugs, Investigational / adverse effects*
  • Eye Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Eye Diseases / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Tears / virology*

Substances

  • Drugs, Investigational