[Viral Conjunctivitis: Findings, Therapy, and Prophylaxis]. / Virale Bindehautentzündungen: Befunde, Therapie und Prophylaxe.

Viral conjunctivitis is one of the most common acute eye diseases. The fall and winter months are known to be the main season for viral infections which is also reflected in the ophthalmological outpatient clinics. Viral conjunctivitis is often accompanied by symptoms of the upper and lower respiratory tract, fever, chills, arthralgia or skin lesions. The spectrum of pathogens comprises DNA viruses such as Adeno-, Herpes simplex and Molluscum contagiosum as well as RNA viruses. Symptoms caused by pandemic pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and mpox viruses can also cause ocular manifestation. Viral conjunctivitis is often self-limiting leaving no residual symptoms, however an ophthalmologist should be consulted if there are inflammatory symptoms of the anterior eye accompanied by visual disturbance. It is particularly important to recognize the affection of corneal or even intraocular structures early to initiate an adequate and effective therapy. Affection of the cornea, vitreus or retina can result in temporary or permanent impairment of the field of vision and visual acuity. The diagnosis is usually made without further tests on the basis of the typical clinical presentation. Rapid tests or PCR diagnostics are also available for confirmation. In most patients the treatment is symptomatically with artificial tears and antibiotic eye drops in cases accompanied by secondary bacterial infections, not prophylactically. If the cornea or other ocular structures are affected by certain viruses, local as well as systemic virostatic therapy is initiated. The most important prophylactic measure is meticulous and consistent hygiene.

Ligneous Conjunctivitis Secondary to Viral Conjunctivitis.

ABSTRACT: Ligneous conjunctivitis is a rare cause of chronic conjunctivitis that may be triggered by ocular insults such as trauma or infections. We present an interesting case of ligneous conjunctivitis caused by a viral infection that responded well to conservative management. Topical cyclosporine and heparin are a good treatment regimen that caused resolution of lesions and prevented recurrences.

Evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of ophthalmologists about adenoviral conjunctivitis transmission and treatment : An online survey for Turkish ophthalmologists.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of adenoviral conjunctivitis in Turkish ophthalmologists, to provide an overview of the treatment and prophylaxis of adenoviral conjunctivitis, and to analyze the data in the context of evidence-based treatment recommendations. METHODS: An online questionnaire consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions about the characteristics of the respondents, the individual adenoviral conjunctivitis history of the ophthalmologists, their practice's approaches, and prescription preferences were emailed to Turkish ophthalmologists. RESULTS: The survey was emailed to 500 ophthalmologists; 45% of them returned the questionnaire. According to the responses, the history of adenoviral conjunctivitis infections was positive in 46.7% (n: 120), recurrent attack prevalence was 16.2% in ophthalmologists. Lubricants (67.6%) are the most preferred first-line treatment options for adenoviral conjunctivitis, followed by povidone-iodine (59.6%), topical antibiotics (51.1%), topical antivirals (29.3%), topical corticosteroids (26.7%), and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (19.6%). A total of 98.2% preferred to dismiss infected patients. The preferred prophylaxis options were frequent hand washing/use of gloves (97.8%), disinfection of medical devices (95.1%), isolation of infected patients (79.1%), hand hygiene with gemicides (58.7%). The percentage of single-dose eye drop selection was 46.2. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this survey showed that most Turkish ophthalmologists generally follow international guidelines for the treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis. The treatment algorithm is still controversial, so ophthalmologists should be aware of treatment guideline updates in line with evidence-based recommendations. Having sufficient knowledge of the basic characteristics of viruses is important to control the spread of the disease.

Topical pharmacologic interventions versus placebo for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

BACKGROUND: Viruses cause about 80% of all cases of acute conjunctivitis. Human adenoviruses are believed to account for 65% to 90% of cases of viral conjunctivitis, or 20% to 75% of all causes of infectious keratoconjunctivitis worldwide. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a highly contagious subset of adenoviral conjunctivitis that has been associated with large outbreaks at military installations and at medical facilities. It is accompanied by severe conjunctival inflammation, watery discharge, and light sensitivity, and can lead to chronic complications such as corneal and conjunctival scarring with discomfort and poor quality of vision. Due to a lack of consensus on the efficacy of any pharmacotherapy to alter the clinical course of EKC, no standard of care exists, therefore many clinicians offer only supportive care. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of topical pharmacological therapies versus placebo, an active control, or no treatment for adults with EKC. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; 2021, Issue 4); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences database (LILACS); ClinicalTrials.gov; and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), with no restrictions on language or year of publication. The date of the last search was 27 April 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials in which antiseptic agents, virustatic agents, or topical immune-modulating therapy was compared with placebo, an active control, or no treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 10 studies conducted in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa with a total of 892 participants who were treated for 7 days to 6 months and followed for 7 days up to 1.5 years. Study characteristics and risk of bias In most studies participants were predominantly men (range: 44% to 90%), with an age range from 9 to 82 years. Three studies reported information on trial registration, but we found no published study protocol. The majority of trials had small sample sizes, ranging from 18 to 90 participants enrolled per study; the only exception was a trial that enrolled 350 participants. We judged most studies to be at high or unclear risk of bias across risk of bias domains. Findings We included 10 studies of 892 EKC participants and estimated combined intervention effects in analyses stratified by steroid-containing control treatment or artificial tears. Six trials contributed to the comparisons of topical interventions (povidone-iodine [PVP-I], trifluridine, ganciclovir, dexamethasone plus neomycin) with artificial tears (or saline). Very low certainty evidence from two trials comparing trifluridine or ganciclovir with artificial tears showed inconsistent effects on shortening the mean duration of cardinal symptoms or signs of EKC. Low certainty evidence based on two studies (409 participants) indicated that participants treated with PVP-I alone more often experienced resolution of symptoms (risk ratio (RR) 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 1.24) and signs (RR 3.19, 95% CI 2.29 to 4.45) during the first week of treatment compared with those treated with artificial tears. Very low certainty evidence from two studies (77 participants) suggested that PVP-I or ganciclovir prevented the development of subepithelial infiltrates (SEI) when compared with artificial tears within 30 days of treatment (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.56). Four studies compared topical interventions (tacrolimus, cyclosporin A [CsA], trifluridine, PVP-I + dexamethasone) with topical steroids, and one trial compared fluorometholone (FML) plus polyvinyl alcohol iodine (PVA-I) with FML plus levofloxacin. Evidence from one trial showed that more eyes receiving PVP-I 1.0% plus dexamethasone 0.1% had symptoms resolved by day seven compared with those receiving dexamethasone alone (RR 9.00, 95% CI 1.23 to 66.05; 52 eyes). In two trials, fewer eyes treated with PVP-I or PVA-I plus steroid developed SEI within 15 days of treatment compared with steroid alone or steroid plus levofloxacin (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.55; 69 eyes). One study found that CsA was no more effective than steroid for resolving SEI within four weeks of treatment (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.06; N = 88). The evidence from trials comparing topical interventions with steroids was overall of very low level certainty. Adverse effects Antiviral or antimicrobial agents plus steroid did not differ from artificial tears in terms of ocular discomfort upon instillation (RR 9.23, 95% CI 0.61 to 140.67; N = 19). CsA and tacrolimus eye drops were associated with more cases of severe ocular discomfort, and sometimes intolerance, when compared with steroids (RR 4.64, 95% CI 1.15 to 18.71; 2 studies; N = 141). Compared with steroids, tacrolimus did not increase the risk of elevated intraocular pressure (RR 0.07, 95% CI 0 to 1.13; 1 study; N = 80), while trifluridine conferred no additional risk compared to tear substitute (RR 5.50, 95% CI 0.31 to 96.49; 1 study; N = 97). Overall, bacterial superinfection was rare (one in 23 CsA users) and not associated with use of the intervention steroid (RR 3.63, 95% CI 0.15 to 84.98; N = 51). The evidence for all estimates was of low or very low certainty. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for the seven specified outcomes was of low or very low certainty due to imprecision and high risk of bias. The evidence that antiviral agents shorten the duration of symptoms or signs when compared with artificial tears was inconclusive. Low certainty evidence suggests that PVP-I alone resolves signs and symptoms by seven days relative to artificial tears. PVP-I or PVA-I, alone or with steroid, is associated with lower risks of SEI development than artificial tears or steroid (very low certainty evidence). The currently available evidence is insufficient to determine whether any of the evaluated interventions confers an advantage over steroids or artificial tears with respect to virus eradication or its spread to initially uninvolved fellow eyes. Future updates of this review should provide evidence of high-level certainty from trials with larger sample sizes, enrollment of participants with similar durations of signs and symptoms, and validated methods to assess short- and long-term outcomes.

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus After COVID-19 Vaccination: Chance Occurrence or More?

ABSTRACT: As the understanding of COVID-19 infection becomes better, it is being recognized as a complex multisystem pathology rather than just affecting the lungs. Several ocular findings have been documented by researchers in individuals infected with COVID-19, and ocular symptoms may even be the first presenting feature of COVID-19 infection in 2.26% individuals. Several countries have started vaccination with inactivated or live vaccines to combat this pandemic, and varied side effects have been reported after vaccination. Few cases of herpes zoster have previously been reported in elderly patients with comorbidities after receiving COVID-19 vaccines. In this article, the authors described 2 interesting cases of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) after receiving a live COVID-19 vaccine. The first case was a 35-year-old immunocompetent man who developed HZO 3 days postvaccine. The second case was a 40-year-old immunocompetent man who developed HZO 28 days postvaccine. To the best of our knowledge, no literature to date has described HZO after live vaccine.

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical signs, symptoms and point-of-care testing for early adenoviral conjunctivitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study identifies key signs and symptoms of acute conjunctivitis, that when combined with a point-of-care test, can improve clinician accuracy of diagnosing adenoviral conjunctivitis. BACKGROUND: Adenoviral conjunctivitis is a common ocular infection with the potential for high economic impact due to widespread outbreaks and subsequent furloughs from work and school. In this report, we describe clinical signs and participant-reported symptoms that most accurately identify polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed adenoviral conjunctivitis. METHODS: Adults with 'red eye' symptoms of four days or less were enrolled. Participants rated 10 ocular symptoms from 0 (not bothersome) to 10 (very bothersome), and indicated the presence or absence of systemic flu-like symptoms. Clinicians determined the presence or absence of swollen lymph nodes and rated the severity of eight ocular signs using a 5-point scale. An immunoassay targeting adenovirus antigen was utilised for the point-of-care test, and conjunctival swab samples were obtained for subsequent adenovirus detection by PCR analyses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify symptoms and signs associated with PCR-confirmed adenoviral conjunctivitis. The diagnostic accuracy of these clinical findings, and the potential benefit of incorporating point-of-care test results, was assessed by calculating areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). RESULTS: Clinician-rated bulbar conjunctival redness, participant-rated eyelid swelling and overall ocular discomfort had the best predictive value in the multivariate logistic regression model with an AUC of 0.83. The addition of the point-of-care test results to these three clinical sign/symptom scores improved diagnostic accuracy, increasing the AUC to 0.94. CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctival redness severity and participant-reported eyelid swelling and overall discomfort, along with adenoviral point-of-care test results, were highly predictive in identifying individuals with PCR-confirmed adenoviral conjunctivitis. Improved diagnostic accuracy by clinicians at the initial presenting visit could prevent unnecessary work furloughs and facilitate earlier treatment decisions.

Phlyctenular Keratoconjunctivitis in a Patient With COVID-19 Infection.

ABSTRACT: The coronavirus disease 2019 global pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several ophthalmic manifestations have been reported to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including conjunctivitis, acute sixth nerve palsy, and multiple cranial neuropathies. We present a unique case of unilateral phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in a 5-year-old boy in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Success of Masking 5% Povidone-Iodine Treatment: The Reducing Adenoviral Patient Infected Days Study.

SIGNIFICANCE: The effectiveness of masking is rarely evaluated or reported in single- or double-masked clinical trials. Knowledge of treatment assignment by participants and clinicians can bias the assessment of treatment efficacy. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of masking in a double-masked trial of 5% povidone-iodine for the treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis. METHODS: The Reducing Adenoviral Patient Infected Days study is a double-masked, randomized trial comparing a one-time, in-office administration of 5% povidone-iodine with artificial tears for the treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis. Masking was assessed by asking participants and masked clinicians at designated time points if they believed the treatment administered was povidone-iodine or artificial tears, or if they were unsure. Adequacy of masking was quantified using a modified Bang Blinding Index. RESULTS: Immediately after treatment, 34% of participants who received povidone-iodine and 69% of those who received artificial tears guessed incorrectly or were unsure of their treatment (modified Bang Indices of 0.31 and -0.38, respectively). On day 4, 38% of the povidone-iodine participants and 52% of the artificial tear participants guessed incorrectly or were unsure of their treatment (modified Bang Indices of 0.24 and -0.05, respectively), indicating adequate and ideal masking. On days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21, masked clinicians guessed incorrectly or were unsure of treatment in 53%, 50%, 40%, 39%, and 42% among povidone-iodine participants compared with 44%, 35%, 38%, 35%, and 39% among artificial tears participants, respectively. The modified Bang Indices for clinician masking in the povidone-iodine group ranged from -0.05 to 0.25 and from 0.13 to 0.29 in the artificial tears group. CONCLUSIONS: Masking of participants and clinicians was adequate. Successful masking increases confidence that subjective measurements are not biased. We recommend quantitative assessment and reporting the effectiveness of masking in ophthalmic clinical trials.

A Patient With Bilateral Conjunctivitis Positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a Conjunctival Sample.

PURPOSE: To present a patient with bilateral conjunctivitis, testing positive for viral RNA of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in both nasopharyngeal and conjunctival samples. METHODS: A 40-year-old man with bilateral acute conjunctivitis and suspicious signs of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presented to the hospital. A detailed ophthalmic examination was performed. Samples obtained from conjunctival and nasopharyngeal swabs were tested by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Ocular findings and duration of the presence of viral RNA in the conjunctival specimens were evaluated at follow-up visits. RESULTS: Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed bilateral acute follicular conjunctivitis. The RT-PCR assay demonstrated the presence of viral RNA in the nasopharyngeal and conjunctival specimens at the initial visit and at the 4-day follow-up. Conjunctivitis findings were decreased after 4 days and recovered completely without any sequelae within10 days. The PCR results of both nasopharyngeal and conjunctiva specimens were negative for the viral RNA at 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral conjunctivitis is rare in patients infected with COVID-19. Although it is difficult to detect viral RNA from conjunctival swabs, conjunctival secretions may be a source of contamination, and protective measures must be taken.

Atypical ocular Chelonoid herpesvirus manifestations in a captive Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

A captive loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) of unknown sex, 3 years of age, presented with bilateral mucoid secretions, severe chemosis, conjunctival hyperemia, and globe retraction. The animal was evaluated ophthalmologically and systemically, and hematological, microbiological, and conjunctival cytological and biopsy samples were collected for complementary diagnosis. The histopathological examination showed amphophilic intranuclear inclusions associated with severe inflammatory infiltrate. The diagnosis of Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChAHV 5) was confirmed with end point PCR. Following systemic treatment with L-lysine, acyclovir and vitamin A, the ocular signs resolved. No amphophilic intranuclear inclusions were seen in a follow-up biopsy 5 months later, and there has been no recurrence of clinical ophthalmic signs during a 4-year follow-up. It is suggested that ChAHV 5 be considered as a differential diagnosis in captive marine turtles that present for conjunctival disease other than fibropapillomatosis.

Conjunctivitis as sole symptom of COVID-19: A case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel virus causing an ongoing pandemic in 2020. Although the symptomatic patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 generally show respiratory distress, atypical manifestations such as conjunctivitis are also observed. A series of cases are reported in which reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing on tears had demonstrated the presence of the virus. However, the transmission of the virus through ocular fluids remains unknown. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this case report, the development of conjunctivitis is presented as the sole symptom of a new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an emergency health care worker. The patient's first application was to the ophthalmology clinic due to redness, stinging, tearing, and photophobia for one day in the right eye. The patient had no symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Two days later, the RT-PCR test, blood analysis, and chest computed tomography (CT) were applied to the patient for being in contact with a COVID positive patient. Conjunctival swabs did not identify SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. However, nasopharyngeal swab and blood test confirmed the diagnosis of COVID-19. Chest CT did not show pneumonia. CONCLUSION: This phenomenon shows that conjunctivitis may occur as a sole manifestation of COVID-19 which needs to be carefully evaluated by health care workers and eye care professionals during the pandemic.

Corticosteroids Versus Cyclosporine for Subepithelial Infiltrates Secondary to Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study.

PURPOSE: To compare efficiency and tolerance between topical 0.5% cyclosporine A (CSA) and fluorometholone (FML) for subepithelial infiltrates (SEI) complicating epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. METHODS: We conducted a prospective double-blind randomized study involving 72 eyes with SEI. Thirty-eight eyes were treated with topical FML (FML group) and 34 eyes with CSA 0.5% eye drops (CSA group). Treatment was considered successful in case of SEI reduction and visual acuity improvement. Tolerance was evaluated by Schirmer test value, burning on eye drops instillation, and conjunctival injection. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar (P > 0.05). After 3 months of the regimen, resolution of SEI was 3 times more observed in the FML group than that in the CSA group (P = 0.026). After 6 months, resolution of SEI was observed in 70% of the FML group and in 47% of the CSA group (P = 0.068). The recurrence of SEI was almost twice higher in the FML group than that in the CSA group (16% vs. 9%). FML was better tolerated during the first 3 months: a higher Schirmer test value (P = 0.0003), less burning on instillation (P = 0.242), and less conjunctival injection (P = 0.003). For the rest of the follow-up period, the 2 groups were comparable in tolerance. No ocular hypertension was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis can evolve favorably under both FML and CSA. The effect of FML is faster and CSA is more durable with fewer recurrences. Both are safe therapeutic options for long-term control of SEI.

Ophthalmic manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 and ocular side effects of investigational pharmacologic agents.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To compile and report the ocular manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and summarize the ocular side effects of investigational treatments of this disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Conjunctivitis is by far the most common ocular manifestation of COVID-19 with viral particles being isolated from tears/secretions of infected individuals. Multiple therapeutic options are being explored across a variety of medication classes with diverse ocular side effects. SUMMARY: Eye care professionals must exercise caution, as conjunctivitis may be the presenting or sole finding of an active COVID-19 infection. While no currently studied therapeutic agents have been found to reliably treat COVID-19, early vaccination trials are progressing and show promise. A video abstract is available for a more detailed summary. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COOP/A36.

The role of ozonized oil and a combination of tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops in the treatment of viral conjunctivitis: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether topical tobramycin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% plus ozonized oil eye drops reduces clinical signs and infectious viral titers of presumed viral conjunctivitis more than tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops alone. METHODS: Prospective, single-blind, randomized, parallel-groups trial. Eighty patients with a clinical diagnosis of presumed viral conjunctivitis were randomizedly divided into two treatment groups: a study group and a control group, 40 for each group. Patients in the study group received topical tobramycin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops, plus ozonized oil eye drops, both four times daily; patients in the control group received only topical tobramycin 0.3%/dexamethasone eye drops four times daily. The treatment was for seven days in both groups. Swabs were taken from the conjunctival fornix for adenovirus PCR analysis on the day of recruitment and at seven days follow-up. Clinical signs were also recorded on the day of recruitment and at follow-up examination: the main outcomes were conjunctival injection and conjunctival chemosis, graded on a 4-point clinical scale, presence or absence of superficial punctate keratitis and subepithelial corneal infiltrates. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was reached in adenoviral infection negativization between the two groups, although the study group showed a higher number of PCR negative results at seven days follow-up. PCR real time detected adenoviral infection in 17 of 24 patients on the day of recruitment and it was positive in 4 patients on the seventh day (viral positivity reduction of 76%). In the control group PCR was positive for adenovirus in 18 of 24 patients on the day of recruitment and in 7 patients at seven days follow-up (reduction of 61%). There was statistically significant difference on conjunctival clinical signs between the study and control groups. Significant difference was also found on superficial punctate keratitis resolution between the study and the control group. In the former superficial punctate keratitis was detected in 14 eyes on the first day and in 5 eyes after seven days while in the latter superficial punctate keratitis was found in 124 eyes on the first day and in 6 eyes on the seventh day. No difference was found in subepithelial corneal infiltrates appearance between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ozonized-oil containing eye drops in combination with topical tobramycin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops four times daily seems to reduce the signs of conjunctivitis, and the duration of viral infection, although it does not affect the subepithelial corneal infiltrates appearance.

Late manifestation of follicular conjunctivitis in ventilated patient following COVID-19 positive severe pneumonia.

A 65-year-old known diabetic, hypertensive, and asthmatic patient was admitted for suspected coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection following complaints of breathlessness. He tested positive for COVID-19 and was put on ventilation. He developed severe follicular conjunctivitis of the right eye while on a ventilator, which was treated conservatively. The resolution of ocular signs was noted over 2 weeks without any complications. This case highlights the timeline of events and discusses the late ophthalmic manifestations in patients with COVID-19 infection.

Relapsing viral keratoconjunctivitis in COVID-19: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Since the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019, many studies have reported the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the conjunctival sac of patients infected with this virus, with several patients displaying symptoms of viral conjunctivitis. However, to our best knowledge, there is no in-depth report on the course of patients with COVID-19 complicated by relapsing viral conjunctivitis or keratoconjunctivitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old man confirmed with COVID-19 developed symptoms of viral conjunctivitis in the left eye approximately 10 days after the onset of COVID-19. The results of a nucleic acid test were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the conjunctival sac of the left eye. The symptoms were relieved 6 days after treatment. However, the patient was subsequently diagnosed with viral keratoconjunctivitis in both eyes 5 days after the symptoms in the left eye were satisfactorily relieved. The disease progressed rapidly, with spot staining observed at the periphery of the corneal epithelium. Although SARS-CoV-2 could not be detected in conjunctival secretions, the levels of inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-6, were increased in both eyes. Both eyes were treated with glucocorticoids, and symptoms were controlled within 5 days. There was no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In this case report, the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcome of a case with COVID-19 complicated by relapsing viral keratoconjunctivitis is described, and the involvement of topical cytokine surge in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 as it relates to viral keratoconjunctivitis is reported.

Ocular manifestations of a hospitalised patient with confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus disease.

PURPOSE: To report the ocular characteristics and the presence of viral RNA of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in conjunctival swab specimens in a patient with confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). PARTICIPANT AND METHODS: A 30-year-old man with confirmed COVID-19 and bilateral acute conjunctivitis which occurred 13 days after illness onset. Based on detailed ophthalmic examination, reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus in conjunctival swabs. The ocular characteristics, presence of viral RNA and viral dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in the conjunctival specimens were evaluated. RESULTS: Slit lamp examination showed bilateral acute follicular conjunctivitis. RT-PCR assay demonstrated the presence of viral RNA in conjunctival specimen 13 days after onset (cycle threshold value: 31). The conjunctival swab specimens remained positive for SARS-CoV-2 on 14 and 17 days after onset. On day 19, RT-PCR result was negative for SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 is capable of causing ocular complications such as viral conjunctivitis in the middle phase of illness. Precautionary measures are recommended when examining infected patients throughout the clinical course of the infection. However, conjunctival sampling might not be useful for early diagnosis because the virus may not appear initially in the conjunctiva.

Hipertensión ocular como causa de obstrucción de arteria ciliorretiniana en el paciente joven, a propósito de un caso / Ocular hypertension as a cause of cilioretinal artery obstruction in the young patient, about a case

CASO CLÍNICO: Mujer de 16 años que acude a urgencias por pérdida de la agudeza visual (AV) en el ojo izquierdo (OI) y cefalea opresiva de un día de evolución, en tratamiento con corticoide tópico por conjuntivitis vírica. La AV fue de 1,00 en el ojo derecho y 0,05 en el OI, la presión intraocular fue de 42 mmHg en ambos ojos. En el OI la funduscopía se objetivó edema isquémico retiniano en haz papilomacular, con angiografía por tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT-A) se observó obstrucción de la arteria ciliorretiniana. El estudio sistémico fue anodino, las ecografías cardiacas y de los troncos supraaórticos fueron normales, siendo la hipertensión ocular secundaria a corticoides el único agente causal identificado. Como conclusión, ante una obstrucción de arteria ciliorretiniana debe indicarse un estudio sistémico amplio para identificar posibles fenómenos embólicos. La hipertensión ocular es una de las causas que puede ser responsable de este cuadro

CLINICAL CASE: A 16-year-old patient seen in the Emergency Department due to loss of visual acuity (VA) in the left eye (LE), and oppressive headache of 1 day onset. The patient was on treatment with topical corticosteroids for viral conjunctivitis. The VA was 1.00 in the right eye and 0.05 in LE. The intraocular pressure was 42mmHg in both eyes. In the LE, the funduscopy revealed retinal ischaemic oedema in the papillomacular bundle. The optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) showed an obstruction of the cilioretinal artery. The systemic study was normal, the cardiac and supra-aortic trunks ultrasound was normal, with ocular hypertension secondary to corticosteroids being the only causative agent identified. This case shows that in the event of an obstruction of the cilioretinal artery, a systemic study should be performed in order to identify possible embolic phenomena. Ocular hypertension is one of the possible causes that may be responsible for this condition