COVID-19: ocular manifestations, ocular secretions, and ocular portal of entry

Abstract

SARS-Cov-2 is a Coronovirus in the subfamily Coronavirinae, in the family Coronaviridae and in the order of Nidovirales and is responsible for COVID-19 disease. General characteristics of the virus are discussed with an emphasis on ocular manifestations of infection. In addition, the potential of ocular secretions including tears are reviewed as a potential for human to human spread of the virus. Finally, a discussion is made of the latest information on the eye as a portal for exposure and development of COVID-19 infection.