European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a highly
contagious and deadly infection.
Aim: To evaluate the epidemiological pattern and spectrum of the covid ocular
morbidity and appraise the typical presentation of ocular manifestations in hospitalized
covid patients.
Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals, who were
hospitalized for COVID treatment between May 2021 and June 2021. The Data on
patient history, physical exam, thorough ocular examination, laboratory results, and
hospital disposition were collected and analyzed.
Results: A total of 658 patients were included. Ocular signs and symptoms were noted
in 162 (24.62%) patients. 51.6% patients wereof >50 years of age and 54.1% were
males. 71.6% of them belonged to urban community.75.3% patients developed ocular
discomfort with in acute (<1 week) period of covid infection. The most common ocular
abnormality was watering with conjunctival irritation, followed by conjunctival
injection and lid swelling. Among the 162 patients, 30 (79.0%) developed ocular
involvement prior to day 30 of onset of their COVID symptoms. 56.7% patients relieved
from ocular discomfort after treatment. 5.7% patients reported deterioration of visual
acuity. 65.8% patients reported ocular discomfort associated with regular oxygen mask
wearing. Most significant ocular morbidity was black discoloration of lids and peri
ocular skin, lid swelling, and redness and purulent discharge of conjunctivitis needed
emergency ophthalmic reference.