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A coronavirus infection via the eyes is unlikely, but not impossible, according to German medical experts. For example, if one rubs one’s eyes with coronavirus-contaminated hands, “transmission to the nasal mucosa or the respiratory tract would be conceivable,” said Clemens Lange from the University Hospital in Freiburg at the annual congress of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG).
There are connections between the eyes and the nose in the head, such as tear ducts. However, in the current state of the study “there is nothing to suggest that we need to consider the eyes as a significant entry or exit portal for the virus,” Lange noted. At this year’s DOG congress, which took place from Friday to today, participants discussed various aspects of eye medicine online.
According to Lange, some studies postulate that infection via the conjunctiva is possible. However, it is not yet clear whether the cells of the ocular surface have sufficient entry ports. In none of the samples from 46 people examined were relevant quantities of the receptors ACE-2 or TMPRSS2, which are important for coronavirus, found in the conjunctiva, said Lange, who was involved in this study. Other researchers had found evidence of these receptors in the cornea, but had not investigated actual transmission via them.
expert: Transmission via tear fluid
A transmission via the tear fluid is also rather unlikely, according to Lange. “The regular blinking of the eye and the small surface area of the eye should prevent enough viruses from entering the eye. In addition, the tear film of infected persons only very rarely contains viral genetic material.
However, transmission of the corona virus via the eyes is by no means ruled out for a long time. Even in ophthalmological examinations, however, aerosols from the respiratory tract of infected people are likely to pose a significantly higher risk of infection than tear film and ocular surface.
“Although we do not have to fear any infection via the eye at present, further examinations are necessary in order to obtain information about the actual infectivity and possible places of virus multiplication,” warned DOG President Hans Hoerauf of the University Medical Center Göttingen. Despite the apparently low risk, hospital personnel are strongly advised to wear glasses to protect their eyes when performing certain intensive care medical work with patients.
— Hector Pascua, Source:ORF.at/agencies. Picture: stockilyapp.com
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