Recently, a study showed that even after the novel coronavirus in the nasal cavity of patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia was removed, the virus remained in the eyes of the patients and was infectious.
The new coronavirus remains in the eyes of patients, the deputy chief ophthalmologist of Hai Renji Hospital, the medical communication think tank medical expert Zhu Lina gave an answer to the phenomenon.
Why do novel coronaviruses linger in the eye? The eyes have a lot of mucous membranes as well as the nasal cavity and bronchial tubes, and the mucous membranes are sensitive to the virus, so the eyes are also one of the transmission routes of the new coronavirus.
There are no current studies specifically targeting the residual time of the new coronavirus in the eye, but according to the usual viral conjunctivitis, after the systemic symptoms improve, the viral level in the eye slowly decreases, basically taking 2 to 3 weeks.
If a patient is diagnosed with a novel coronavirus in the eye, he or she should be treated for viral conjunctivitis on a systemic antiviral basis.
At the same time, some artificial tears can be used in moderation, as the artificial tears can act as a dilution of the virus and form protection on the surface of the eyes.
Also, be sure to remember to wash your hands diligently and don't rub your eyes with your hands at will.
What should we do to protect our eyes during this special time to fight the new coronavirus epidemic?
Spring is a time of high prevalence for some eye diseases, and extra care should be taken at special times for those with a history of allergic conjunctivitis or other allergic diseases.
If you have symptoms such as dry, itchy eyes for a long time, be sure to seek medical attention and do not rub your eyes to avoid increasing the chance of viral infection.
Patients who have recently undergone eye surgery, especially the elderly, should minimize the amount of time they spend wearing a mask after surgery because some of the gas exhaled while wearing the mask will rise to the eye area, which is not conducive to eye recovery.
Also of concern is that some people are allergic to masks and the exhaled gas rushing into their eyes while wearing them can cause red, itchy eyes.
If this occurs, you should check your own mask to make sure it is of proper and hygienic origin. At the same time, you should go to less crowded places and spend less time wearing masks.
Special Report: Fighting The New Coronavirus
