Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the tear secretion of conjunctivitis patients during COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE: To determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the tear secretion of conjunctivitis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in clinically diagnosed patients with conjunctivitis attending the outpatient services of our institute from July 2021 to December 2021. The tear samples were collected from patients using Schirmer’s strips or capillary tubes to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time PCR assay. COVID-19 vaccination and infection status, visual acuity, and clinical features were documented in all cases. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients with symptoms of conjunctivitis were included during the study period. The mean age was 41.1 ± 13.1 years, and the mean duration of symptoms was 7.1 ± 4.4 days, with 74% males. Conjunctival congestion was mild in 69 (62.1%) patients, moderate in 30 (27%) patients, and severe in 12 (10.8%) patients. All except four had superficial punctate keratitis (SPK). Five (4.3%) patients were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in their tear samples. All had mild–moderate conjunctival congestions with variable papiliofollicular reaction and SPKs, superficial hemorrhages were seen in three and pseudomembrane in one patient. They were followed up with telemedicine and three of them developed mild COVID-19-related symptoms and recovered after in-home quarantine. None of them had a previous history of COVID-19 infection and all had received COVID-19 vaccination within 2 weeks to 2 months. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 transmission through ocular secretion of conjunctivitis patients cannot be ignored and appropriate COVID-19-preventive behavior should be followed in ocular settings.