Does the coronavirus affect the eyes?

From the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, experts raised concerns that the virus could also be transmitted through the eyes. Although it is still unknown whether tears transmit the coronavirus and cause infection, the virus has already been detected in tear fluid. This may indicate that tears leaving the body can be infectious and cause local inflammation in the eyes, and possibly a general coronavirus infection in the body.

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Arcturus, a new coronavirus variant

In recent months, a new coronavirus variant, XBB.1.16, known in the media as "Arcturus," has been spreading in India. So far, the new variant appears highly contagious, although it is unclear whether crowded living conditions are causing the rapid spread.

The new coronavirus variant mainly affects children up to age 12. It brings symptoms that had not previously been proven to be directly linked to COVID-19. The children's main symptoms include high fever and a cough, but also symptoms of viral eye inflammation, appearing as itchy and red eyes without discharge.

Viral eye inflammation: could you have COVID-19?

Experts explain that the viral eye inflammation developing in children with COVID-19 resembles that caused by other viruses, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Viral eye inflammation is characterized by redness, pain or burning in the eyes and a yellow, pus-like discharge on the eyelids and eyelashes. Eye inflammation caused by allergies is characterized by redness, burning, itching and clear discharge. If the eyes become red, itchy or irritated, consider the possibility of COVID-19.

How can you protect your eyes from the coronavirus?

Studies show that the average person touches their eyes at least 25 times an hour. In addition, recent studies prove that people who regularly use contact lenses face a higher risk of coronavirus infection. The World Health Organization recommends avoiding contact lenses as much as possible and, in any case, maintaining a high standard of hand hygiene.

The new coronavirus variant has also reached Israel, but it is spreading slowly. The Ministry of Health said that Israel's average weekly number of confirmed cases had remained relatively stable in recent months, and that around 120 people were hospitalized in moderate to serious condition with COVID-19, most of them unvaccinated.

Conclusion: the spread of a new coronavirus variant

The new coronavirus variant spreading in India affects the eyes and causes symptoms of viral eye inflammation among children up to age 12. The variant is not dangerous, and there is no evidence of rising deaths. Nevertheless, there is no change to the decision to end Israel's isolation requirement from Thursday, 15 May.