COVID can enter through eyes too, prevent eye infections during pandemic: Says top Delhi doc

Srinagar: While Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev, President, All India Ophthalmology Society (AIOS) warns that COVID-19 can enter through eyes too and urged people to prevent eye infections during pandemic , Kashmir’s top eye surgeon Dr Tariq Qureshi says that seven people who developed breathlessness’ after their eyes turned red and watery finally died and in the end even the eye surgeon Dr Li-Wen-Liang who treated them also died .
In a press release to “ Kashmir Horizon Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev, President, All India Ophthalmology (AIOS) says“While people are strictly following the lockdown in support of the nation well being, but would be sticking themselves to the digital screens, which may have serious effect on their vision in the long run”. Warning that “while any condition should not be confirmed on your own without proper testing by experts, certain symptoms like drying eyes or watery eyes, redness in the eyes, unable to see far distance, peripheral vision with rings, difficulty in focusing on objects may be considered as symptoms of gradual deterioration of vision and should follow the below mentioned remedies”.
Dr Mahipal Sungh Sachdeve further says that proper eye care should be become a priority during this crisis situation to help protect from other infections like conjunctivitis, stye, dry eyes and corneal ulcers which can cause permanent blindness.
“Amid the COVID pandemic, eyes are also highly susceptible to various types of infections, and hence social distancing and prioritizing the personal hygiene quotient can assist in preventing any type of infections (corona virus do not have proven incidences of spread through eyes, yet precautions are necessary). Washing hands and avoiding eye contacts will help in preventing any infectious disease. Avoid rubbing eyes as our fingers are mostly covered by germs that can easily transmit the germs. Always wash your eyes with cold water whenever returning from outside. Avoid rubbing them which can lead to dry eyes and may aggravate itching.” Says Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev, President, AIOS
Advising people to clean eye wearsfrequently to avoid fungal growth, Dr Sachdeva asks people not to share their glasses with anyone and properly clean them before or after the usage. Asking people to wear spectacles instead of contact lens in this situation, Dr Sachdeva says “ though there is no proven evidence, but spectacles may provide an extra layer of protection”.
“With low immunity, elderly are highly susceptible to catch any infection early, it is advised for the elderly and patients with any chronic ailments especially, hypertension, and diabetes to maintain healthy eye hygiene. Diabetics are also advised to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels, as it may lead to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) which may cause vision problems permanently. A little extra care can prevent serious eye ailments, especially for the patients with diabetes.” Says Dr Namrata Sharma, General Secretary, AIOS.
Stressing for precaution Dr Sacdeva asks people to “have a balanced diet for good overall health, consume the required nutrients (daily nutrition value DNV) through food include eye healthy foods as well, keep eye drops and other medications in stock without going for panic buying and pie up stocks, avoid any shortage of critical medications especially those suffering from glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or any other serious eye ailments, during this lockdown situation.
When contacted the Kashmir’s leading Ophthalmologist Dr Tariq Qureshi endorsed the warning and health top of both Dr Sachdeva and as well as Dr Namrata Sharma of the All India Ophthalmology Society (AIOS) Dr Tariq Queshi said “ In Wuhan the first epicentre of COVID-19 seven patients who developed breathlessness after their eyes turned red and watery were not treated well as the warnings of an eye Surgeon Dr Li Wen Liang about the occurrence of a deadly disease were not taken serious by other doctors. All the seven patients died and in the even eye surgeon Dr Li Wen Liang also died.
drying eyes or watery eyes, redness in the eyes, unable to see far distance, peripheral vision with rings, difficulty in focusing on objects