PUNE: The All India Ophthalmology Society (AIOS) and its Maharashtra chapter have informed eye specialists that conjunctivitis is also a symptom for Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) and doctors as well patients should take extra care about the same.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Vardhaman Kankariya, Secretary of Maharashtra Ophthalmology Society said this is a precautionary advisory for patients and eye specialists.
“The American Ophthalmology Society has issued this ahead of nCoV outbreak. Patients who have respiratory issues can also show symptoms of conjunctivitis. In such a case, the patient and doctor should take necessary precautions,” said Kankariya.
He added that doctors who are treating these patients, even in the suspected cases, should wear an N-95 mask and goggles that are covered from all sides.
“India has seen no such case of nCoV patient who has conjunctivitis, however, precautions in these cases are important. The virus can travel through aerosols and can be dangerous even to family members. Hence, precaution is very important,” said Kankariya.
Sharing similar views, Dr Aditya Kelkar, eye surgeon and Director of National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) said there has been no case of conjunctivitis and nCoV.
“There is no need to panic. However, the patients, in case of conjunctivitis, should not sneeze outward. The virus travels through hand and so washing hands regularly can keep all sort of infections at bay. These precautions can help patients, family members and doctors a lot,” said Dr Kelkar.
