Ophthalmologists have warned the public about the transmission of the coronavirus through eyes and advised them to wear protective glasses.

The Academy is sharing important ophthalmology-specific information related to the novel coronavirus, referred to as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was previously known by the provisional name 2019-nCoV. The highly contagious virus can cause a severe respiratory disease known as COVID-19.

Contact lens wearers are warned to be careful as we all deal with the COVID-19 pandemic

One-third of patients in a series of 38 hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were found to have symptoms consistent with conjunctivitis. Two of the patients yielded positive RT-PCR tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus from both conjunctival and nasopharyngeal swabs, and 1 patient manifested the excessive tearing of epiphora as the first symptom of the viral illness.

This guidance provides a policy to help expand the availability of remote ophthalmic assessment/monitoring devices during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

An American Academy of Ophthalmology website, “Important coronavirus updates for ophthalmologists,” has provided ophthalmologists with treatment considerations, breaking news and updated research on COVID-19 as it relates to ophthalmology since the virus began to spread.

Researchers suggest that pink eye could be an additional symptom of COVID-19.