The NHS and WHO report underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure and severe respiratory conditions (among others) may contribute to the Sars-Cov-2 virus developing into a serious case of COVID-19.
However, little is documented about whether common eye diseases may play a role in this, too. So we want to make clear the current known scientific information regarding common eye diseases and their possible link to the development of COVID-19.
Is glaucoma seen as an underlying risk of developing COVID-19?
There is no scientific evidence as of yet that suggests glaucoma may increase the likelihood of someone developing COVID-19.
Of course, when administering glaucoma eye drops, it’s important to practice appropriate hand hygiene prior to doing so.
For more information on managing glaucoma at home, you can learn more here.
Are cataracts seen as an underlying risk of developing COVID-19?
Similarly, there is no evidence to suggest that cataracts may increase the chances of developing COVID-19.
Is macular degeneration seen as an underlying risk of developing COVID-19?
Again, there is no evidence to suggest that macular degeneration can increase the risk of developing COVID-19.
For more information about managing macular degeneration at home here.
Is diabetic retinopathy seen as an underlying risk of developing COVID-19?
While there are concerns that COVID-19 might impact people with diabetes more severely, there is no evidence to suggest that diabetic retinopathy can increase the chances of contracting the disease in the first place.
You can find more information about living with diabetic retinopathy at home here.
Is conjunctivitis seen as an underlying risk of developing COVID-19?
While a very small proportion of COVID-19 patients may currently suffer from conjunctivitis, there is no evidence suggesting that having conjunctivitis can increase the risk of developing COVID-19.
This article breaks down what we currently know about the link between coronavirus and conjunctivitis.
For more general advice on eyecare and COVID-19, visit our care page here. If you're at all
concerned about your eyesight, give yourlocal store a call. They’ll be able to tell you whether it’s
worth coming in to see us, or if you’d benefit from a RemoteCare appointment to speak to one of
our experts by phone or video call.
References
1. Royal College of Optometrists. (20/03/2020). Viral conjunctivitis and COVID-19 – a joint statement from The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and College of Optometrists [Online]. Available at: https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/2020/03/viral-conjunctivitis-and-covid-19-a-joint-statement-from-the-royal-college-of-ophthalmologists-and-college-of-optometrists/ [Accessed 07/04/2020]
2. The New England Journal of Medicine. (06/03/2020). Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China. [Online]. Available at: https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2002032 [Accessed 07/04/2020]
3. Medrxiv. (12/02/2020). Ophthalmologic evidence against the interpersonal transmission of 2019 novel coronavirus through conjunctiva. [Online] Available at: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.11.20021956v1
4. Jama Network. (31/03/2020). Characteristics of Ocular Findings of Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hubei Province, China. [Online] Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2764083 [Accessed 07/04/2020]
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Will there still be a hearing service?
Our stores will still be open for essential and urgent hearing services, while following official advice.