Masood Bagheri1,2, Zahra Rashe3, Ahad Jafari2. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Nikookari Eye Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz, Iran (The Islamic Republic Of). 2. Imam Khomeini Hospital, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences , Kermanshah, Iran (The Islamic Republic Of). 3. Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Madani Medical & Training Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz, Iran (The Islamic Republic Of).
Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate the possibility of ocular involvement in the 2019-novel coronavirus infectious (2019-nCoV) and vital preventive measures in the field of ophthalmology. METHODS: All the studies that were most relevant to the 2019-nCoV ocular involvement and routes of transmission, especially in the field of ophthalmology, thoroughly reviewed. RESULTS: From the ocular perspective, conjunctivitis may be the first presenting symptom of 2019-nCoV, so, we as ophthalmologists are at the forefront of exposure with newly infected patients. Although transconjunctival aerosol is a suspected but, the main route of transmission is the known respiratory droplets which will be more significant due to close contact in the field of ophthalmology. This review advise a set of recommendation for preventive care to minimize cross-infection of 2019-nCoV. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmologists have an essential role in guiding cross-infection control measures between patients and staff. Until a vaccine is created, public health strategies are likely the best weapons against this invisible enemy.
PURPOSE: To investigate the possibility of ocular involvement in the 2019-novel coronavirus infectious (2019-nCoV) and vital preventive measures in the field of ophthalmology. METHODS: All the studies that were most relevant to the 2019-nCoV ocular involvement and routes of transmission, especially in the field of ophthalmology, thoroughly reviewed. RESULTS: From the ocular perspective, conjunctivitis may be the first presenting symptom of 2019-nCoV, so, we as ophthalmologists are at the forefront of exposure with newly infectedpatients. Although transconjunctival aerosol is a suspected but, the main route of transmission is the known respiratory droplets which will be more significant due to close contact in the field of ophthalmology. This review advise a set of recommendation for preventive care to minimize cross-infection of 2019-nCoV. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmologists have an essential role in guiding cross-infection control measures between patients and staff. Until a vaccine is created, public health strategies are likely the best weapons against this invisible enemy.