COVID-19 and ophthalmology: An underappreciated occupational hazard

Irene C. Kuo, Terrence P. O'Brien

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

The proximity required of a thorough biomicroscopic slit-lamp examination may put ophthalmologists at increased risk for respiratory-borne infection with SARS-CoV-2. Conjunctivitis has been described in a few patients with COVID-19 and other coronavirus syndromes. Although SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in the conjunctival secretions or tears of patients with COVID-19 and conjunctivitis, transmission of infection through respiratory droplets to ophthalmologists without eye protection or masks may be the bigger concern.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1207-1208
Number of pages2
JournalInfection control and hospital epidemiology
Volume41
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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