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With every mutation, comes a new set of challenges and symptoms that baffles scientists and medical practitioners.
For instance, after more than two months since Omicron’s detection, it has now come to light that the highly transmissible variant can impact the eyesight of those infected. The symptoms for influenza, COVID-19 and even allergies can sometimes be similar.
According to ophthalmologists, some patients may even report impaired vision, a symptom that is generally not treated as a COVID red flag. Patients have been reporting redness in the eyes, itching, soreness, a burning sensation, watery eyes, and swollen lids.
The World Health Organization has listed red or irritated eyes as one of the possible, but rare symptoms of COVID-19 infection. According to WHO, patients infected with the new variant Omicron of the Sars CoV-2, reddening of the eyes, reduced vision, swelling of the white part of the eye and the lining of the eyelid, ie, conjunctivitis, can be symptoms.
But this is still not a very common occurrence. Doctors say that it is more likely that you are experiencing itchy eyes from some other irritation.
What do the studies say?
As per several studies, it has been seen that nearly 11 per cent of patients with COVID-19 develop eye problems as well.
A study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) suggests that coronavirus may lead to conjunctivitis or pink eye in about 1 to 3 per cent of adults. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that covers the whites of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids. It is also possible, but still not confirmed, that conjunctivitis may occur more often in hospitalized patients with coronavirus. A 2020 study including 301 people hospitalised with COVID-19 discovered that 11.6 per cent of the patients had conjunctivitis.
In another study, Indian researchers believe that these early symptoms may occur in someone infected with COVID. Eye problems can be considered as an early warning of the COVID-19 virus. The study has found that 44 per cent of COVID patients are facing eye problems as compared to 35.8 per cent of the general population. There are problems like watery eyes and light sensitivity in this. At the same time, some people are also feeling pain in the eyes. However, after the patient’s recovery, the problems related to the eyes get cured.
Other possible reason for itchiness in eyes
Itchy eyes can be caused by a number of factors from allergies to eye strain because of too much screen time to driving among other reasons. In the case of the former, it is recommended not to rub your eyes as it could make it worse.
Furthermore, it’s a good way to increase your chances of getting infected with an airborne disease such as COVID-19 or the flu. As for the latter, if you let your eyes rest it should go away, but it could be the symptom of an underlying eye condition that needs treatment.
