Can Covid affect your eye health? Keep an eye on these issues
The Covid-19 pandemic is slowly moving towards an end. The virus has already affected millions of lives and continues to do so. Other than the active cases and number of deaths, virus-related complications are an important aspect requiring attention. Till now, bone pain, joint pain, hair fall, breathing issues, long term fatigue and muscle pain were common complications reported by Covid patients.
As Covid-19 is getting older, new findings of the virus are coming up each day. Looks like the virus doesn't want to spare any organ of the body as studies have now highlighted the effect of Covid-19 on our eyes.
HOW COVID-19 AFFECTS THE EYES
The eyes are one of the most sensitive and crucial sense organs.
Covid-19 infection affects your eye health in these many ways:
Dry eye condition:
A study from the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that people infected by Covid-19 are at risk of dry eye disease.
For the unversed: Dry eye disease is a common condition in which your eyes are not able to produce tears and there is inadequate lubrication for your eyes. It is an uncomfortable condition in which you may feel a burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes. If left untreated, it can also lead to sensitivity to light, eye redness or blurred vision.
The study further highlighted that the most common symptoms that the participants of the study reported were blurred vision, itching, pain and burning sensation.
Pink eye:
A study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has highlighted that Covid-19 may lead to pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, in 1-3% of adults who get infected. AAO has also highlighted that children may experience eye-related conditions like pink eye more than adults. So, parents can contact an ophthalmologist instead of panicking.
Retinal eye disorder:
Covid affects the retina of the eyes which is responsible for receiving and sending images.
Scientists have observed that Covid patients experience changes in the retina. The virus also impacts the retinal veins.
TAKE NOTE: Many Covid patients have reported blurry vision after or during the infection. But Covid cannot lead to blurry vision itself but eye conditions like dry, pink eye and changes in the retina that is caused due to complications.
NOT JUST COVID PATIENTS
During the lockdown, there was a sharp spike in eye-related conditions. Non-Covid patients and kids also reported eye-related issues, especially, dry eye syndrome and digital eye strain. This is due to the increased use of digital screens and long term exposure to blue light.
WHAT TO DO?
You can follow a few steps to safeguard your eye-sight:
1. Wash hands regularly to avoid the exchange of germs from hands to the eyes
2. Avoid touching the eyes with bare hands as much as possible
3. Never rub your eyes
4. Wear glasses before stepping out
5. Take a break from gadgets to provide enough rest to your eyes
6. You can do a few eye exercises to relax the muscles
7. Also, report symptoms of the above mentioned conditions to your doctor in time