Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, global health care organizations are in a race against time to bring out a suitable coronavirus vaccine to cure this contagious virus. The research still continues, with major milestones being achieved every day.
Let’s check out the symptoms of coronavirus. Other than flu, dry cough, fever, and other symptoms, some people are also experiencing conjunctivitis or pink eye.
Is pink eye a symptom of COVID- 19? To dig deep into this, read along.
In this write-up, we will provide a brief account of the pink eye and whether or not it is a symptom of COVID- 19.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye is a contagious eye virus that can have an adverse impact on the patient’s eye. It can be a bacterial infection, viral infection, or an allergic reaction. Your eyes may swell a bit, the white part of your eyes may get red, or you may feel irritation in your eyes. But don’t worry, the vision won’t be affected by it. Moreover, it can be treated easily within a week or two.
Other than bacterial or viral infections and allergic reactions, a chemical splash in the eye, a blocked tear duct in newborns can also cause conjunctivitis.
What are the Pink Eye Symptoms?
According to medical experts, there are multiple symptoms that are associated with pink eye. One of the major signs of conjunctivitis is that the white part of your eye will get baby pink. Moreover, you will feel itchiness in your eyes and will end up having a gritty feeling. In addition to this, there may be a discharge of mucus from the eyes, which may prevent you to see clearly. Also, you may experience tearing.
However, if you experience pain, blurred vision, severe eye redness, or feel something is stuck in your eye, seek immediate medical help. Additionally, if you wear contact lenses often, and suddenly experience pink eye symptoms, you must contact an ophthalmologist immediately.
How to Treat Pink Eye?
It’s time to learn about pink eye treatment. Most of the time, you can treat it at home easily, until it gets severe. If you don’t know how to treat it, don’t worry. We have got you covered.
The easiest way to treat pink eye is to put a lint-free cloth soaked in cold water on your affected eye. You can also use eye drops to feel at home.
If the pink eye condition persists, you must contact a nearby ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
You now know what pink eye is, how do you get pink eye, and how long does pink eye last. Let’s now check if the pink eye a symptom of COVID 19 or not.
What do experts say?
Jeff Pettey, MD, an ophthalmologist at Moran Eye Center, emphasizes that if someone has pink eye, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the person has convicted the virus. It is not among the first symptom of the virus.
Moreover, if someone with a pink eye also happens to have major symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath, only then one could be suspected as a potential carrier of coronavirus. However, until your test results return positive, you don’t have to worry about contracting the virus.
According to the reports published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, many experts suggest that the relationship between COVID-19 and the pink eye is very rare. The statistics show that only 1% or 3% of the total cases of COVID-19 patients were infected with pink eye. As it is not very common among the patients. Hence, if you don’t have other symptoms of coronavirus, yet you have pink eye, it is unlikely of you being positive for the virus.
