Ophthalmic Complains and Findings among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19
Ali Sharifi1 , Amin Zand1 *
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shafa Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the ophthalmic complains and findings among hospitalized patients with current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods: In this study, 379 hospitalized patients with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) proven COVID-19 were enrolled. Demographic variables, history of systemic diseases, main manifestations of COVID-19 infection (respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurologic, or other organs involvements), and the severity of the disease were documented. Patients were asked for ophthalmic complains and a questionnaire was filled. In addition, eyelids and ocular surface examination was done for all participants. Patients with new onset ocular pain or visual impairment, were referred for detailed ophthalmic examinations.
Results: Mean age was 54.2 ± 15.8 years. Totally, 12.1% of patients showed at least one new onset ophthalmic complain. The most common new onset ophthalmic complains were ocular surface redness (80.4%), debris discharge (76.1%), lacrimation (67.4%), itching (32.6%), and burning sensation (32.6%), respectively. These ophthalmic complains were more common among patients with age ≤ 60 years old, hospitalization period > 7 days, more respiratory system involvement, and history of diabetes mellitus (all P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Ophthalmic complains and findings in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are common. Majority of these complains are related to the ocular surface disorders. Therefore, considering early and enough treatments for ocular surface disorders is necessary in these patients especially in cases with older age, underlying systemic diseases especially diabetes mellitus, long duration of hospitalization and more severity of the disease.
