Be careful with symptoms of conjunctivitis in children after Covid-19

Why are children prone to conjunctivitis? post-Covid-19?

According to Dr. Luu Thi Quynh Anh – Deputy Head of the Department of Ophthalmology (National Children’s Hospital), post-Covid-19children can develop conjunctivitis, causing eye damage.

Doctor Quynh Anh analyzed that the eye is one of the first organs in the body to be “attacked” by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so many children have Covid-19 with symptoms of conjunctivitis (eye pain). red).

If left untreated or self-medicated, the disease can lead to severe corneal damage and impaired vision.

“Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection, caused by viruses or bacteria, sometimes due to certain allergens, which is treatable and preventable.

Early signs of Covid-19 such as conjunctivitis are also present in the eyes, but often patients do not know or ignore it,” said doctor Quynh Anh.

According to doctor Quynh Anh, in Vietnam, there have been no studies on Covid-19 affecting the eyes.

However, a 2021 meta-analysis by Nasiri showed that, in 7,300 Covid-19 patients, up to 11% of cases had ocular manifestations, most commonly conjunctivitis, dry eyes, red eyes, and watery eyes. and itch.

In which, 30% of patients with long-term sequelae of Covid-19 had symptoms of dry eyes, heaviness in eyes, and eye pain.

Children with Covid-19 may have prolonged conjunctivitis post-Covid-19

“The main cause of red eyes in children after recovering from the disease is the virus multiplying in the lining of the eye. Children with conjunctivitis have conjunctivitis. post-Covid-19 Usually there is redness in the white parts of the eye.

In addition, there is no discomfort or the eyes may be sore, itchy or sticky, watery and watery eyes with pain.

Without proper eye care and hygiene, the child’s condition can worsen, leading to unpredictable injuries, even if not treated promptly, can cause vision loss, blindness.

In some cases, the red eye sign is not just conjunctivitis but some more dangerous conditions, such as anterior uveitis (an inflammation of the front part of the eyeball), associated with the disease response. multi-system systemic inflammatory response”, said doctor Quynh Anh.

According to doctor Quynh Anh, as soon as the child shows signs of conjunctivitis (red eye) post-Covid-19Parents should take their children to see an ophthalmologist for timely examination, diagnosis and intervention, to avoid subjective cases, and to self-treat at home, which will lead to many dangers to children’s eyes.

Measures to prevent conjunctivitis post-Covid-19 for children

Doctor Quynh Anh recommends, to prevent conjunctivitis in children post-Covid-19parents need to clean their children’s eyes with 0.9% physiological saline (10ml type) to clean their eyes.

Physiological saline has the effect of washing away viruses and inflammatory factors from the surface of the eyeball, helping the return of tears and faster recovery in cases of red eye.

At the same time, parents should limit their children looking at phones, computers, and electronic devices for a long time to avoid eye strain and retinal damage.

“Children after recovering from Covid-19 have red, swollen, painful eyes for many days, absolutely do not self-medicate, but should take them to see a specialist for advice and proper treatment. ways to avoid serious complications”, recommended doctor Quynh Anh.

Please watch the video of the Director of the Central Children’s Hospital instructing how to take care of children with Covid-19 at home: