New Study Finds Possible Link Between endophthalmitis and COVID-19
Researchers are warning of a possible link between a rare and devastating eye infection and COVID-19.They have observed that air jets from the superior edge of the mask radiate toward the eyes, contaminating the surgical field. Consequently patients wearing face masks during intravitreal injections may be at a higher risk of endophthalmitis, according to a study.
In just two months, three patients at New York's Northwell Health hospital were diagnosed with keratitis that quickly led to endophthalmitis and profound vision loss. One patient's eye had to be removed. All three patients tested positive for COVID-19. Results of the retrospective review were released this month at AAO 2020 Virtual, the 124th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The researchers hope their findings will encourage the medical community to consider the eye when evaluating the role of anti-infectious treatment and immunomodulation.
While the evidence does not show that the virus caused the devastating eye infections, the occurrence of keratitis leading to rapid perforation and endophthalmitis is exceedingly rare. To have three cases present over the course of two months in New York, a coronavirus epicenter, is a cause for more investigation, researchers say.
Keratitis is an infected sore on the eye. In rare instances, keratitis can lead to endophthalmitis, an inflammation of fluids inside the eye, usually due to infection caused by various bacteria and fungi. Typically, it's associated with surgery or trauma. Endophthalmitis can cause significant vision loss, including blindness. In some cases, the eye must be removed. Symptoms typically appear rapidly and include pain, red eye, discharge from the eye, lid swelling and reduced vision.
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