Ocular Manifestations among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in the Southeast of Iran

COVID-19 has a range of manifestations among different patients. Knowing the various manifestations of COVID-19 could help in better managing the infection. This study aimed to investigate the ocular manifestations of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In this study, 379 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Afzalipour hospital, a tertiary care academic medical center in Kerman city, were recruited. Demographic variables (age and sex), history of systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension), systemic COVID-19 signs and symptoms (respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and sensory), and the severity of the disease were evaluated. Patients were asked about ophthalmic symptoms. If a patient had serious ocular complaints, such as ocular pain or vision loss, and needed specialized examination, an ophthalmologist examined the patient. The patients’ mean (standard deviation) age was 54.2 (15.8) years. Overall, 46 patients (12.1%, 95% confidence interval: 9.0–15.8) showed at least one ocular manifestation. The most common signs and symptoms among those with ocular manifestations were redness (n = 37, 80.4%), discharge (n = 35, 76.1%), lacrimation (n = 31, 67.4%), itching (n = 15, 32.6%), and dry eye sensation (n = 15, 32.6%). Ocular manifestations were more prevalent among those ≥ 60 years old, those with hospitalization days > 7 days, those with more severe respiratory system involvement, and diabetic patients. One out of eight COVID-19 inpatients showed at least one ocular manifestation. As tear and ocular secretions are considered a route for coronavirus transmission, it is essential to pay attention to the early detection of ocular manifestations.