The Ocular Surface, Coronaviruses, and COVID-19

Clinical & Experimental Optometry : Journal of the Australian Optometrical Association

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This review presents the current understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) as it affects the ocular surface and the reported cases of the virus in the tears as well as cases of COVID-19–related conjunctivitis.
From the available evidence, the authors conclude that although a rare situation, the virus does exist in tears and can cause conjunctivitis in an infected patient. Continued use of personal protective equipment is stressed until such time as the pandemic is over