Clinical Ophthalmology (Oct 2020)
The Role of the Ocular Tissue in SARS-CoV-2 Transmission
Abstract
Michael Peng,1 Jiannong Dai,1 Chenna Kesavulu Sugali,1 Naga Pradeep Rayana,1 Weiming Mao1,2 1Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; 2Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USACorrespondence: Weiming MaoDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USATel +1 317-278-0801Email [email protected]: The current global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected over 21 million people and caused over half a million deaths within a few months. COVID-19 has become one of the most severe public health crises in recent years. Compared to other pathogenic coronaviruses, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly infectious. Due to the lack of specific and effective treatment or vaccines, disease prevention and early detection are essential for establishing guidelines to mitigate further spread. The potential role of the ocular system in COVID-19 is still not clear but it has gained increasing attention. Here, we reviewed both clinical and research evidence on the ocular manifestations associated with COVID-19, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in ocular surface tissues and tears, and the potential role of the eye in contracting SARS-CoV-2.Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, eye, transmission, ACE2
