Management of conjunctivitis and other causes of red eye during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background Patients with red eyes frequently present to general practitioners (GPs). Although infrequent, some patients with COVID-19 may present with features typical of viral conjunctivitis. SARS-CoV-2 is expressed at a low rate in tears, which may be a source of infection to GPs caring for patients at high risk of COVID-19. Objective The aims of this article are to outline: 1) ophthalmic complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, 2) triage and management of patients with potential COVID-19 conjunctivitis, and 3) triage and management of patients with red eyes during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion It is important that GPs: 1) have a high index of suspicion that patients with apparen..