Ocular Manifestations and Viral Prevalence in Conjunctival Secretions of Patients with COVID 19 – A Meta–Analysis

Doi:10.36351/pjo.v36i4.1126

Abstract

PubMed was searched using key words “COVID-19”, “coronavirus”, and “SARS CoV?2” in conjunction with “ophthalmology” and “eye” on 17^th May 2020. Total 483 articles were identified. After screening eleven articles were included in the analysis. The frequencies of ocular manifestations and the presence of virus in conjunctiva were analyzed and final results were compiled.Ten out of eleven articleswere analyzed for ocular manifestations. In our analysis a total of 2115 cases had Covid 19, out of which 77 patients developed ocular manifestations (3.64%, 95% CI 2.88 – 4.53). The most common being conjunctival congestion. Twelve patients had SARS – CoV-2 in their ocular secretions confirmed by RT PCR test (2.61%, 95% CI 1.36 – 4.52). This meta-analysis concludes that conjunctiva is neither a preferred site of infection nor a preferred gateway for entry of SARS CoV-2 in the body. As a low risk of infection does exist, eye protective equipment should be used when treating COVID – 19 patients.

Key Words:  SARS CoV 2, COVID 19, Conjunctiva, Ophthalmology.