NEW YORK: Though COVID-19 is believed to be primarily a respiratory disease, increasing proof suggests that the lungs may not be the only choice of target for the pathogen. Now, a comprehensive study has found evidence of the novel coronavirus directly infecting cells in the eye.
According to the study by researchers from Mount Sinai Health System, adult human eye cells exposed to the virus were found to be infected 24 hours after exposure. The research also called attention to the need for instituting guidelines for the protection of the eyes and its treatment as a likely source of entry.
SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19, is thought to transmit and begin infection in the upper respiratory tract. For this reason, the use of face masks has been recommended for the general public.
With the progress of the pandemic, it has been learned that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect not just the lungs but also other organs such as the intestines. The ocular entry of the pathogen has also been hypothesized about.
Animal studies have proven that the eye can serve as the route for respiratory infections. For example, studies conducted in golden hamsters and Rhesus macaques have demonstrated that the virus can cause COVID-19 in animals using eyes as one of the routes.
In addition, the researchers found that ocular surface cells, particularly the limbus, were susceptible to infection, while the central cornea was less vulnerable.
"We hope this new data results in additional measures to protect the eyes. We also intend to use these models to test approaches to prevent ocular infections," said Timothy Blenkinsop, Assistant Professor, at Mount Sinai.
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