There is no intraocular affection on a SARS-CoV-2 - Infected ocular surface

Lauermann, Peer; Storch, Marcus; Weig, Michael; Tampe, Björn; Winkler, Martin; Hoerauf, Hans; Feltgen, Nicolas; Hakroush, Samy

PURPOSE: The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in anterior chamber fluid and/or the vitreous in patients with SARS-CoV-2 RNA on the ocular surface is unclear. Knowledge about the infectious state of intraocular structures could influence the daily work of ophthalmic surgeons. OBSERVATIONS: We analyzed ocular samples from a patient who had succumbed to COVID-19 pneumonia for the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. We detected viral RNA in the ocular-surface samples on one swab and in one excidate from the conjunctiva. Samples from the anterior chamber and vitreous revealed no SARS-CoV-2 RNA. CONCLUSIONS: and Importance SARS-CoV-2 can effectively be inactivated with standard disinfection agents. The now proven absence of SARS-CoV-2 in intraocular fluids could influence how ophthalmic surgeons work. Without having to account for the risk of a contagion via the anterior chamber and/or vitreous body, the surgical staff would require no additional, more elaborate protection.