The deadly virus, which hit the globe in 2020, is the primary cause of despair among all generations in the present day. Not only have people lost their kith and kin, but they also have faced a lot of medical and health hazards. Though people have hardly paid much attention to this aspect, the infected and the survivors know that the second wave of Covid-19 has also affected people’s eyes in specific ways.
Some researchers have found out that the second wave of the virus has reported specific changes in the developing symptoms. Apart from the earlier symptoms, which include fever, body ache, loss of smell and taste, chills, breathlessness, etc.,
Several studies suggest specific secondary symptoms like pink eyes, eye irritation and dryness, and gastronomical conditions and hearing impairment should not be taken lightly. Ophthalmologists have urged people to keep a close watch for eye-related complications/troubles while they are recovering from Covid -19. Since many doctors have suggested that pink eyes (conjunctivitis) or eye irritation and dryness in the eyes may be the symptoms arising in the second wave, people should be aware that these symptoms may arise due to these symptoms in the summer heat.
Another epidemic that broke out in many parts of the country, while there was a spike in Covid-19 second wave, is the “Black fungus”. This fungal infection affects people with health problems (like COVID-19) or any medicines that bring down their immunity to fight any infection. As it is called in medical terms, Mucormycosis is a severe, rare fungal infection that occurs due to a fungus named Mucor, which is often found on wet surfaces. When fungus attacks sinuses, it spreads to the eyes, brain, and central nervous system. This is one of the most infectious diseases through which many people recovering from COVID-19 have lost their vision.
To discuss further, people should understand how they will identify these eye symptoms.
- Pink Eyes (Conjunctivitis)
This eye condition may come up with skin eruptions in and around the eyelid, along with conjunctivitis-like symptoms like redness or discharge. The infected patient may experience pain or tingling sensation in and around the eyes.
- Eye irritation and dryness
The infected may also experience some itching, irritation or dry feeling in and around the eyes.
- Blurred vision
Patients who have recovered from Covid-19 may also experience blurred vision. Hence, patients who have recovered from COVID and have been treated with steroids should be aware of symptoms until they have been put on steroids. Ophthalmologists say that COVID-19 may obstruct the blood supply to the retina, resulting in ‘retinopathy’, which is a retinal vascular disease where the retina gets damaged because of abnormal blood flow, resulting in vision impairment. Retinopathy due to COVID or steroid treatment usually occurs within two to four weeks after COVID has resolved.
- Black Fungus
Patients whose immunity levels are low since they contracted Covid-19 may also be in a dangerous position to contract a fungal infection by the name of Mucormycosis or Black Fungus. Some common symptoms to detect such problems in the eyes are swelling and pain in the eyes, blurred vision, reddish/dark spots around eyes and nose or even loss of eyesight.
These might seem to be widespread problems people face, but experts suggest that patients visit the doctors immediately, which might lead to something very severe. There have been many cases where removing the eye was the only option left for saving the patient’s life.
The most important thing that experts suggest is that people should be aware of any changes in their body, including the symptoms mentioned above in their eyes. Though the Covid-19 situation in India had reached a tense situation, it seemed to have brought down both the infection and the death rates recently. The specialist suggests that the following rules may help people detect and prevent themselves from the disease
- Maintaining sound eye health practice
- Being vigilant and consulting doctors immediately on experience any vision-related issues
- Get the vaccinations at the soonest
- Avoid panicking due to the lockdown situation which people are facing for the second time in two years.
It won’t be too long that life may be back to everyday situations, but every citizen should take care of their and their family’s health until then. Instead of panicking, people should immediately consult physicians or doctors to evaluate their health and by all means take all the precautions (wearing masks, maintaining social distance, staying at home etc.) to avoid being infected, as we are all aware of the famous saying,
“Prevention is better than cure”.
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