Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Conjunctival Swab Samples Among Patients With Conjunctivitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Conjunctival Swab Samples Among Patients Presenting With Conjunctivitis to the Ophthalmology Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly identified, highly contagious RNA virus causing respiratory infectious disease, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Conjunctivitis has been reported as a rare finding of the disease, and preliminary studies showed that the virus RNA could be detected in ocular secretions using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays when conjunctivitis present. This study aims to estimate the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 associated conjunctivitis among patients with suspected viral conjunctivitis presented to the ophthalmology clinics of Wilmer Eye Institute during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigators also aim to identify whether SARS-CoV-2 associated conjunctivitis is an isolated finding or an early sign of COVID-19.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years old or older
• Willingness to participate
• Presents with red eye complaint

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adults lacking capacity to consent
• Adults with special needs due to physical, medical, developmental or cognitive conditions