RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 SARS-CoV-2 on the ocular surface: is it truly a novel transmission route?
JF British Journal of Ophthalmology
JO Br J Ophthalmol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
SP 1190
OP 1195
DO 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-316263
VO 105
IS 9
A1 Xuhui Chen
A1 Huimin Yu
A1 Ting Mei
A1 Bo Chen
A1 Liwen Chen
A1 Shanling Li
A1 Xian Zhang
A1 Xufang Sun
YR 2021
UL http://bjo.bmj.com/content/105/9/1190.abstract
AB Since December 2019, the novel COVID-19 outbreak has spread rapidly around the globe and infected millions of people. Although the major transmission route of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is considered to be airborne droplets and close contact, the ocular transmission route has been reported with great concern. The current work summarises the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, the ocular distribution of the major SARS-CoV-2 binding protein, and the experimental and clinical evidence of the ocular transmission route. Although it seems that the likelihood of the ocular surface being an infection gateway is low, SARS-CoV-2 infection or transmission via the ocular surface may cause conjunctivitis and other ocular discomfort. Therefore, good eye protection is an essential safeguard procedure, especially for medical staff.