Study finds COVID-19 virus can penetrate the blood-retinal barrier
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The blood-retinal barrier safeguards our vision by blocking microbial pathogens from reaching the retina and causing inflammation that could lead to vision loss. However, researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine found that the COVID-19 virus can penetrate this barrier, posing potential long-term consequences for eye health.
The study was published in the journal PLoS Pathogens.
The global COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 affected millions worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Apart from respiratory symptoms, the virus also demonstrated a tendency to affect ocular tissues, resulting in various complications such as conjunctivitis, dry eye, redness, tearing, itching, ocular pain, retinal hemorrhage, optic nerve edema, neuropathies, cerebral vein thrombosis, and glaucoma.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, can spread through mucosal surfaces like the nose, mouth, and eyes when exposed to infectious aerosols. The eye, being an immune-privileged organ, is susceptible to viral replication, making it a potential site for the virus to persist.
Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 can infect various cells in the eye, including photoreceptor and ganglion cells, conjunctival epithelial cells, scleral and limbal cells. Additionally, preclinical research has demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 can invade the eyes via neuronal pathways after exposure through the nasal route.
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