Ocular Manifestations among Hospitalized COVID-۱۹ Patients in the Southeast of Iran

Background: COVID-۱۹ has a range of manifestations among different patients. Knowing the various manifestations of COVID-۱۹ could help in better managing the infection. This study aimed to investigate the ocular manifestations of hospitalized COVID-۱۹ patients.Methods: In this study, ۳۷۹ PCR-positive COVID-۱۹ patients hospitalized in Afzalipour hospital, a tertiary care academic medical center in Kerman city, were recruited. Demographic variables (age and sex), history of systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension), systemic COVID-۱۹ signs and symptoms (respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and sensory), and the severity of the disease were evaluated. Patients were asked about ophthalmic symptoms. If a patient had serious ocular complaints, such as ocular pain or vision loss, and needed specialized examination, an ophthalmologist examined the patient.Results: The patients’ mean (standard deviation) age was ۵۴.۲ (۱۵.۸) years. Overall, ۴۶ patients (۱۲.۱%, ۹۵% confidence interval: ۹.۰–۱۵.۸) showed at least one ocular manifestation. The most common signs and symptoms among those with ocular manifestations were redness (n = ۳۷, ۸۰.۴%), discharge (n = ۳۵, ۷۶.۱%), lacrimation (n = ۳۱, ۶۷.۴%), itching (n = ۱۵, ۳۲.۶%), and dry eye sensation (n = ۱۵, ۳۲.۶%). Ocular manifestations were more prevalent among those ≥ ۶۰ years old, those with hospitalization days > ۷ days, those with more severe respiratory system involvement, and diabetic patients.Conclusion: One out of eight COVID-۱۹ inpatients showed at least one ocular manifestation. As tear and ocular secretions are considered a route for coronavirus transmission, it is essential to pay attention to the early detection of ocular manifestations.

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ , Ocular manifestations , severity , ocular surface , Inpatient