Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eyeball. This condition can stem from bacterial infections, allergies, or other viral agents. SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is also a recognized cause. While not the most frequent COVID-19 symptom, pink eye is a documented occurrence.
Symptoms and Presentation
Individuals with COVID-19 pink eye often report symptoms such as redness, irritation, and a gritty feeling in the eyes. Increased tear production, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and watery discharge are common. Eyelid swelling and crusting around the lashes, especially in the morning, may also occur. These eye symptoms can appear alongside other common COVID-19 indicators, such as fever, cough, and fatigue.
How SARS-CoV-2 Affects the Eyes
SARS-CoV-2 can directly impact ocular tissues due to specific receptors on eye cells. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and TMPRSS2 protease are found in the conjunctiva, limbus, and cornea. These molecules serve as entry points, allowing the virus to bind to and infect cells on the ocular surface. This viral invasion triggers an inflammatory response in the conjunctiva, leading to pink eye symptoms. Viral particles in tears and conjunctival secretions support the eye as a potential site of infection and transmission.
Differentiating COVID-Related Pink Eye
Distinguishing COVID-19 pink eye from other conjunctivitis types is challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Viral conjunctivitis, including SARS-CoV-2, typically presents with watery discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis often produces a thicker, pus-like discharge that can cause eyelids to stick together. Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, with intense itching, tearing, and swelling, often alongside other allergy symptoms like a runny nose.
A key differentiator for COVID-19 pink eye is its occurrence alongside other systemic COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. However, conjunctivitis can sometimes be the sole or initial sign of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given similar presentations, self-diagnosis is not definitive; medical consultation is needed for accurate assessment.
Diagnosis and Care
Diagnosing COVID-19 pink eye requires medical evaluation, which may include an eye examination to assess signs and symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 infection is confirmed with a COVID-19 test, such as a PCR test. Care for COVID-19 conjunctivitis focuses on supportive measures to alleviate symptoms. These include applying warm or cool compresses and using artificial tears for irritation and dryness.
Avoid rubbing eyes and discontinue contact lens use until symptoms resolve. Specific antiviral treatments are not required, as the condition often resolves on its own within one to two weeks. Seek medical attention if severe pain, significant vision changes, or worsening symptoms occur.