Translation and validation of the 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire into Portuguese / Tradução e validação do questionário 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire para a língua portuguesa

ABSTRACT Purpose: Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease that is very common in clinical ophthalmic practice. The use of validated dry eye questionnaires makes it possible to screen this disease in the general population and assess the prevalence of symptoms and frequency of diagnosis, allowing early and appropriate treatment for this condition. The 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) is a tool that is used to assess the frequency and intensity of ocular discomfort and dryness and the frequency of tearing, which has already been validated in English and Spanish, but not in Portuguese. The aim of this study is to translate and validate the DEQ-5 to Portuguese. Methods: The DEQ-5 was used, consisting of five simple and direct questions: two questions for ocular discomfort, two for ocular dryness, and one for tearing. The initial translation of the English version of the questionnaire into Portuguese was conducted by two Portuguese native-speaking translators, followed by an evaluation and compilation of a single version by an interdisciplinary committee of the translated versions. Furthermore, this version was translated back into English by two individuals whose first language was English, followed by the evaluation and comparison with the original version in English by the same interdisciplinary committee. Afterwards, the final version of the questionnaire was administered to 31 volunteers at two different times. Results: The interobserver reliability of the five questions ranged from 0.584-0.813, and the Pearson correlation from 0.755-0.935, with a p-value of <0.0001. Internal consistency was α=0.887. All questions had moderate to high agreement. Conclusions: The statistical analysis of the collected data found excellent concordance rates (moderate to high for all analyzed questions), allowing the use of the Portuguese version of DEQ-5 in research as a screening test for dry eye disease and tool used to monitor the symptoms.

RESUMO Ojetivos: O olho seco é uma doença multifatorial, muito comum na prática clínica oftalmológica. A utilização de questionários validados de sintomas de olho seco permite rastrear de maneira mais objetiva essa doença na população geral, avaliar a prevalência dos sintomas e frequência de diagnóstico, permitindo o tratamento precoce e adequado dessa condição. O 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) é um questionário em inglês que avalia a frequência e a intensidade do desconforto e ressecamento ocular e a frequência do lacrimejamento, já validado no inglês e espanhol, porém não no português até o presente momento. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir e validar o questionário DEQ-5 para a língua portuguesa. Métodos: Foi utilizado o questionário DEQ-5, composto por 5 perguntas simples e diretas - 2 relacionadas ao desconforto ocular, 2 ao ressecamento ocular e 1 ao lacrimejamento. Foi realizada a tradução inicial da versão em inglês para o português por dois tradutores de língua materna portuguesa, seguido de uma avaliação e compilação de uma versão única por um comitê interdisciplinar das versões traduzidas. Em seguida, tal versão foi traduzida de volta para o inglês por 2 indivíduos que possuíam o inglês como primeira língua, seguido de avaliação e comparação com a versão original em língua inglesa pelo mesmo comitê interdisciplinar. Após, a versão final do questionário foi aplicada em 31 voluntários em dois momentos differentes. Resultados: A confiabilidade interobservador das 5 perguntas variou de 0,584-0,813 e a correlação de Pearson de 0.755-0.935, sendo o p-valor <0,0001 em todas elas. A consistência interna foi α=0,887. Todas as perguntas apresentaram concordância de moderada a alta. Conclusões: A análise estatística dos dados coletados encontrou ótimos índices de concordância - moderada a alta para todas as questões analisadas -, permitindo o uso do DEQ-5 na língua portuguesa em pesquisas e também como forma de triagem para doença de olho seco e acompanhamento dos sintomas.

Ocular Surface Disease Related to the Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Phases of Thyroid Eye Disease.

Purpose: This study evaluated the ocular surface disease (OSD), especially dry eye disease (DED) parameters by combining qualitative and quantitative tools, including tear matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), in patients with Graves' disease (GD) with and without Thyroid eye disease (TED). Patients and Methods: A total of 17 active TED, 16 inactive TED, 16 GD without ophthalmopathy, and 16 healthy controls were included. All patients were assessed with CAS, ophthalmometry, qualitative tear MMP-9, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), ocular surface staining, Schirmer test, meibography, tear meniscus height, conjunctival hyperemia, and non-invasive tear film break-up time. Patients were classified into three subtypes of DED: aqueous tear deficiency, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and mixed dry eye. Results: Inactive TED was shown to be an associated factor with DED (odds ratio 14, confidence interval 2.24-87.24, p=0.0047), and presented more DED than healthy controls (87.5% versus 33.3%, p=0.0113). MGD was also more prevalent among these subjects than in healthy control (62.5% versus 6.7%; p=0.0273). No significant differences were found in other ophthalmological parameters, except for more intense conjunctival redness among active TED than GD without ophthalmopathy (p=0.0214). Qualitative MMP-9 test was more frequently positive in both eyes among active TED than in other groups (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Patients with GD were symptomatic and presented a high prevalence of ocular surface changes and DED, particularly the subgroup with inactive TED. Tear MMP-9 detection was associated with active TED suggesting a relationship between ocular surface changes and the initial inflammatory phase of ophthalmopathy.

Preliminary Findings on the Salivary Metabolome of Hookah and Cigarette Smokers.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the salivary metabolomic profile of patients who habitually smoke hookah and cigarettes. The groups consisted of 33 regular and exclusive hookah smokers, 26 regular and exclusive cigarette smokers, and 30 nonsmokers. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected for the measurement of salivary metabolites by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The MetaboAnalyst software was used for statistical analysis and evaluation of biomarkers. 11 smoking salivary biomarkers were identified using the area under receiving-operator curver criterion and threshold of 0.9. Xylitol and octadecanol were higher in cigarette smokers compared to controls; arabitol and maltose were higher in controls compared to cigarette smokers; octadecanol and tyramine were higher in hookah smokers compared to controls; phenylalanine was higher in controls compared to hookah smokers; and fructose, isocitric acid, glucuronic acid, tryptamine, maltose, tyramine, and 3-hydroxyisolvaleric acid were higher in hookah smokers compared to cigarettes smokers. Conclusions: The evaluation of the salivary metabolome of hookah smokers, showing separation between the groups, especially between the control versus hookah groups and cigarette versus hookah groups, and it seems to demonstrate that the use of hookah tobacco is more damaging to health.

TFOS Lifestyle Report Executive Summary: A Lifestyle Epidemic - Ocular Surface Disease.

The Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Workshop entitled 'A Lifestyle Epidemic: Ocular Surface Disease' was a global initiative undertaken to establish the direct and indirect impacts of everyday lifestyle choices and challenges on ocular surface health. This article presents an executive summary of the evidence-based conclusions and recommendations of the 10-part TFOS Lifestyle Workshop report. Lifestyle factors described within the report include contact lenses, cosmetics, digital environment, elective medications and procedures, environmental conditions, lifestyle challenges, nutrition, and societal challenges. For each topic area, the current literature was summarized and appraised in a narrative-style review and the answer to a key topic-specific question was sought using systematic review methodology. The TFOS Lifestyle Workshop report was published in its entirety in the April 2023 and July 2023 issues of The Ocular Surface journal. Links to downloadable versions of the document and supplementary material, including report translations, are available on the TFOS website: http://www.TearFilm.org.

Identification of Proteomic Biomarkers in Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia through Liquid Chromatography With Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an oral potentially malignant disorder associated with high risk of malignant transformation. Currently, there is no treatment available, and restrictive follow-up of patients is crucial for a better prognosis. Oral leukoplakia (OL) shares some clinical and microscopic features with PVL but exhibits different clinical manifestations and a lower rate of malignant transformation. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic profile of PVL in tissue and saliva samples to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers with therapeutic implications. Tissue and saliva samples obtained from patients with PVL were compared with those from patients with oral OL and controls. Label-free liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was employed, followed by qualitative and quantitative analyses, to identify differentially expressed proteins. Potential biomarkers were identified and further validated using immunohistochemistry. Staining intensity scan analyses were performed on tissue samples from patients with PVL, patients with OL, and controls from Brazil, Spain, and Finland. The study revealed differences in the immune system, cell cycle, DNA regulation, apoptosis pathways, and the whole proteome of PVL samples. In addition, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analyses showed that calreticulin (CALR), receptor of activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1), and 14-3-3 Tau-protein (YWHAQ) were highly expressed in PVL samples. Immunohistochemistry validation confirmed increased CARL expression in PVL compared with OL. Conversely, RACK1 and YWHA were highly expressed in oral potentially malignant disorder compared to the control group. Furthermore, significant differences in CALR and RACK1 expression were observed in the OL group when comparing samples with and without oral epithelial dysplasia, unlike the PVL. This research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions and highlights potential targets for future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

An affordable and semiautomated approach as a novel strategy for the extraction of DNA using magnetic ionic liquids followed by real time-polymerase chain reaction.

This technical note describes a novel and straightforward experimental strategy for the extraction/capture of DNA using magnetic ionic liquid (MIL) followed by real time-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. An affordable and low-cost magneto-based multiwell platform was first examined for capturing DNA allowing for simultaneous extractions that increased the analysis throughput of the experimental workflow. This configuration was composed of a series of neodymium rod magnets attached to a multiwell device in which a magneto-active extraction phase (MIL) was suspended for a single drop microextraction (SDME) approach. In this configuration, up to 32 extractions were able to be performed simultaneously, and DNA was successfully extracted from aqueous samples. Furthermore, as a proof-of-concept, this affordable and simple experimental strategy proved to be efficient for the extraction/capture of DNA from challenging samples such as whole blood without any pretreatment. This fact also consists of important feature compared to previous methodologies that required additional steps of sample preparation.

Characterization of meibomian gland dysfunction in patients with rosacea / Caracterização da disfunção das glândulas de Meibomio em pacientes com rosácea

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare ocular surface parameters in rosacea patients with those of controls. Methods: Ninety-three participants took part in this cross-sectional, observational, non-interventional study. These consisted of a rosacea group (n=40) and a control group (n=53). We compared objective parameters of the ocular surface, including conjunctival hyperemia, tear film stability and volume, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye disease, and ocular surface staining, between the two groups. Results: In the rosacea group, 69.23% were female. The mean age was 47.34 ± 12.62 years old. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in visual acuity (p=0.987), tear film parameters (tear meniscus height (p=0.338), noninvasive tear film rupture time (p=0.228), invasive rupture time (p=0.471), Schirmer's test scores (p=0.244), conjunctival hyperemia (p=0.106), and fluorescein staining (p=0.489). Significant differences were found in meibography evaluations (p=0.026), mucous layer integrity (p=0.015), and ocular surface symptoms (p<0.0001). Rosacea patients also showed important eyelid differences in glandular expressibility (p<0.001), glandular secretion pattern (p<0.001), and telangiectasia (p<0.001) compared to controls. Conclusion: Meibomian gland dysfunction is frequently associated with dermatological conditions. It can be observed in morphological findings from meibography as well as lipid secretion impairment, leading to evaporative dry eye, ocular surface dysfunction, and inflammation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações da superfície ocular em pacientes com Rosácea, e comparar com grupo controle. Métodos: Noventa e três indivíduos foram selecionados para este estudo transversal, observacional e não intervencionista, dividido em dois grupos: rosácea (n=40) e controles (n=53). Foram avaliados parâmetros objetivos da superfície ocular (hiperemia conjuntival, estabilidade e volume do filme lacrimal, disfunção da glândula meibomiana, doença do olho seco, coloração da superfície ocular) e comparado indivíduos saudáveis com pacientes com rosácea. Resultados: 69,23% dos indivíduos com rosácea eram mulheres, com média de idade de 47,34 ± 12,62 anos. Em comparação com controles pareados, não foram evidenciadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em relação à acuidade visual (p=0,987) e parâmetros do filme lacrimal (altura do menisco lacrimal (p=0,338), tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal não invasivo (p=0,228), tempo invasivo de ruptura (p=0,471) e teste de Schirmer (p=0,244), bem como hiperemia conjuntival (p=0,106) e coloração com fluoresceína (p=0,489). Associação significativa foi encontrada na avaliação da meibografia (p=0,026), integridade da camada mucosa (p=0,015) e sintomas de superfície ocular (p<0,0001). Pacientes com rosácea também apresentaram alterações importantes na borda palpebral: expressibilidade glandular (p<0,001), padrão de secreção glandular (p<0,001) e telangiectasia (p<0,001). Conclusão: A disfunção da glândula de Meibômio está frequentemente associada a condições dermatológicas e é caracterizada por achados morfológicos na meibografia, bem como comprometimento da secreção lipídica que leva ao olho seco evaporativo e alterações da superfície ocular e inflamação.

TFOS Lifestyle Report: Impact of environmental conditions on the ocular surface.

Environmental risk factors that have an impact on the ocular surface were reviewed and associations with age and sex, race/ethnicity, geographical area, seasonality, prevalence and possible interactions between risk factors are reviewed. Environmental factors can be (a) climate-related: temperature, humidity, wind speed, altitude, dew point, ultraviolet light, and allergen or (b) outdoor and indoor pollution: gases, particulate matter, and other sources of airborne pollutants. Temperature affects ocular surface homeostasis directly and indirectly, precipitating ocular surface diseases and/or symptoms, including trachoma. Humidity is negatively associated with dry eye disease. There is little data on wind speed and dewpoint. High altitude and ultraviolet light exposure are associated with pterygium, ocular surface degenerations and neoplastic disease. Pollution is associated with dry eye disease and conjunctivitis. Primary Sjögren syndrome is associated with exposure to chemical solvents. Living within a potential zone of active volcanic eruption is associated with eye irritation. Indoor pollution, "sick" building or house can also be associated with eye irritation. Most ocular surface conditions are multifactorial, and several environmental factors may contribute to specific diseases. A systematic review was conducted to answer the following research question: "What are the associations between outdoor environment pollution and signs or symptoms of dry eye disease in humans?" Dry eye disease is associated with air pollution (from NO2) and soil pollution (from chromium), but not from air pollution from CO or PM10. Future research should adequately account for confounders, follow up over time, and report results separately for ocular surface findings, including signs and symptoms.

Overexpression of E-Cadherin Is a Favorable Prognostic Biomarker in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by poor survival, mostly due to local invasion, loco-regional recurrence, and metastasis. Given that the weakening of cell-to-cell adhesion is a feature associated with the migration and invasion of cancer cells, different studies have explored the prognostic utility of cell adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin (E-cad). This study aims to summarize current evidence in a meta-analysis, focusing on the prognostic role of E-cad in OSCC. To find studies meeting inclusion criteria, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Medline, and OpenGrey databases were systematically assessed and screened. The selection process led to 25 studies, which were considered eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, representing a sample of 2553 patients. E-cad overexpression was strongly associated with longer overall survival (OS) with Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.41 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (0.32-0.54); p < 0.001 and disease-free survival with HR 0.47 95% CI (0.37-0.61); p < 0.001. In terms of OS, patients with tongue cancer experienced better survivability when expressing E-cad with HR 0.28 95% CI (0.19-0.43); p < 0.001. Globally, our findings indicate the prognostic role of the immunohistochemical assessment of E-cad in OSCC and its expression might acquire a different role based on the oral cavity subsites.

Protein-based salivary biomarkers for the diagnosis of periodontal diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at determining differentially expressed protein-based biomarkers detectable in the saliva for the diagnosis of major periodontal diseases. Methods: A literature review was conducted through January 31, 2022. The methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for case-control studies. Heterogeneity among studies was analysed with the Q statistical test and the I2 test. p-values lower than 0.10 and I2 values higher than 50% indicated high heterogeneity among studies; therefore, the random-effects model was used. The analysis of biological pathways associated with the differentially expressed protein markers was performed with the STITCH integration analysis tool and was limited to interactions with high confidence levels (0.7). Results: Of all protein-based biomarkers detected, 12 were suitable for meta-analysis: IL-1ß, MIP-1α, albumin, TNF-α, ICTP, Ig-A, lactoferrin, MMP-8, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17 and PGE2. The salivary markers with high applicability were IL-1ß for differentiating patients with chronic periodontal disease from patients with gingivitis with an OE = 73.5 pg/mL; ICTP for differentiating patients with chronic periodontal disease from healthy control patients with an OE = 0.091 ng/mL; and PGE2 for differentiating patients with chronic periodontal disease from healthy control patients with an OE = 36.3 pg/mL. Conclusions: The biomarkers with the highest differential expression and the greatest potential for clinical applicability are IL-1ß for differentiating periodontitis from gingivitis, and ICTP and PGE2 for differentiating periodontitis from healthy status.

Characterization of meibomian gland dysfunction in patients with rosacea.

PURPOSE: To compare ocular surface parameters in rosacea patients with those of controls. METHODS: Ninety-three participants took part in this cross-sectional, observational, non-interventional study. These consisted of a rosacea group (n=40) and a control group (n=53). We compared objective parameters of the ocular surface, including conjunctival hyperemia, tear film stability and volume, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye disease, and ocular surface staining, between the two groups. RESULTS: In the rosacea group, 69.23% were female. The mean age was 47.34 ± 12.62 years old. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in visual acuity (p=0.987), tear film parameters (tear meniscus height (p=0.338), noninvasive tear film rupture time (p=0.228), invasive rupture time (p=0.471), Schirmer's test scores (p=0.244), conjunctival hyperemia (p=0.106), and fluorescein staining (p=0.489). Significant differences were found in meibography evaluations (p=0.026), mucous layer integrity (p=0.015), and ocular surface symptoms (p<0.0001). Rosacea patients also showed important eyelid differences in glandular expressibility (p<0.001), glandular secretion pattern (p<0.001), and telangiectasia (p<0.001) compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Meibomian gland dysfunction is frequently associated with dermatological conditions. It can be observed in morphological findings from meibography as well as lipid secretion impairment, leading to evaporative dry eye, ocular surface dysfunction, and inflammation.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging approaches to Graves' ophthalmopathy: a narrative review.

Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) affects up to 50% of patients with Graves' disease (GD) ranging from mild ocular irritation to vision loss. The initial diagnosis is based on clinical findings and laboratory tests. Orbital imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), is an important tool to assess orbital changes, being also useful for understanding disease progression and surgical planning. In this narrative review, we included 92 studies published from 1979 to 2020 that used either MRI and/or CT to diagnose and investigate GO, proposing new methods and techniques. Most of the methods used still need to be corroborated and validated, and, despite the different methods and approaches for thyroid eye disease (TED) evaluation, there is still a lack of standardization of measurements and outcome reports; therefore, additional studies should be performed to include these methods in clinical practice, facilitating the diagnosis and approach for the treatment of TED.

Association between axial length and level of education in elderly patients with cataracts unexposed to electronic devices in the first two decades of life / Associação entre diâmetro axial e nível educacional em pacientes idosos com catarata não expostos a dispositivos eletrônicos nas duas primeiras décadas de vida

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine whether the axial length is associated with the education level in elderly patients with cataracts who were not exposed to electronic devices in the first two decades of life. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in elderly patients with cataracts in Campinas, Brazil. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 included those who completed, at most, elementary school (including the illiterate and those who partially or totally attended elementary school), which corresponded to 12 years of schooling; Group 2 included, at least, high school graduates (including those who completed high school and those who partially or fully attended university). The sample was selected randomly with stratification for sex and age. The main outcome was the axial length. Results: The sample consisted of 472 elderly patients (236 per group) who underwent cataract surgery. There were 272 (57.6%) men and 200 (42.4%) women; the distribution was symmetrical between the two groups. The median age (IQR; range) was 66 (12; 50-89) years. The median axial length (IQR; range) was 22.82 (1.51; 20.34-28.71) mm in Group 1 and 23.32 (1.45; 20.51-31.34) mm in Group 2 (p<0.001). Conclusion: A greater axial length was associated with a higher level of education in elderly patients with cataracts, suggesting that myopization is related to an increase in activities requiring near-vision even before exposure to electronic devices.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar se o diâmetro axial está asso­ciado ao nível educacional em pacientes idosos com catarata que não foram expostos a dispositivos eletrônicos nas duas primeiras décadas de vida. Métodos: Este estudo transversal foi conduzido em pacientes idosos com catarata na cidade de Campinas, Brasil. Os Pacientes foram divididos em 2 grupos: no Grupo 1 foram incluídos aqueles que completaram, pelo menos, o ensino fundamental (incluindo analfabetos e aqueles com ensino fundamental completo ou incompleto), o que corresponde a 12 anos de escolaridade; no Grupo 2 foram incluídos indivíduos que, pelo menos, estudaram até o ensino médio (incluindo indivíduos com ensino médio completo e superior completo ou superior incompleto). A amostra foi selecionada aleatoriamente com estratificação por sexo e idade. O desfecho principal foi a medida do diâmetro axial. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída por 472 indivíduos que foram submetidos a cirurgia de catarata. Duzentos e trinta e seis indivíduos (50%) foram alocados no Grupo 1 e duzentos e trinta e seis indivíduos (50%) no Grupo 2. A mediana da idade (IIQ; intervalo) foi 66 (12; 50-89) anos. Duzentos e setenta e dois (57,6%) eram homens e duzentos (42,4%) mulheres, com distribuição simétrica entre os dois grupos. A mediana do diâmetro axial (IIQ; intervalo) foi 22,82 (1,51; 20,34-28,71) mm no Grupo 1 e 23,32 (1,45; 20,51-31,34) mm no Grupo 2 (p<0,001). Conclusão: Maiores medidas de diâmetro axial foram asso­ciadas a níveis educacionais mais elevados em pacientes idosos submetidos a cirurgia de catarata. Tal achado sugere que a miopização relacionada ao aumento de atividades que utilizam a visão de perto é fenômeno que ocorre antes mesmo da exposição a dispositivos eletrônicos.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus on the ocular surface of an asymptomatic health-care professional / Detecção do vírus SARS-CoV-2 na superfície ocular de um professional de saúde assintomático

ABSTRACT Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Its main form of transmission is through respiratory droplets. Case reports have described the presence of this virus in biological materials such as blood, feces, urine, and tears, which generate hypotheses about other means thereby the disease is transmitted. In this report, we describe a case of SARS-CoV-2 identified on the eye surface of an asymptomatic health-care professional. The nasopharyngeal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test, using a sample collected on the same day, and the serological test, performed 3 months later, did not reveal any evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These results alert on the possibility of a false-positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction result for the ocular surface or the presence of the virus in the conjunctival mucosa in individuals without infection.

RESUMO A COVID-19 é uma doença infeciosa causada pelo SARS-CoV-2, sendo sua principal forma de transmissão através de gotículas respiratórias. Já existem relatos de caso descrevendo a presença desse vírus em materiais biológicos como sangue, fezes, urina e lágrima, o que gera hipóteses sobre outros meios de transmissão da doença. Neste estudo, descrevemos um caso de identificação do vírus SARS-CoV-2 na superfície ocular de um profissional de saúde assintomático. A transcrição inversa da reação em cadeia da polimerase da nasofaringe, coletada no mesmo dia, e o teste sorológico, realizado três meses após, não detectaram qualquer evidência de infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2. Esses dados alertam para a possibilidade de resultado falso positivo da transcrição inversa da reação em cadeia da polimerase da superfície ocular ou a presença do vírus na mucosa conjuntival sem infecção.