Can COVID affect your eyes?

Symptoms of COVID affecting your eyes

COVID can cause various eye symptoms, from mild irritation to more noticeable changes in vision. These COVID eye symptoms can appear during your illness or develop afterwards as part of long COVID. Here are the key signs to watch for:

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

COVID can cause viral conjunctivitis, leading to red, watery, and itchy eyes. This is one of the most common COVID eye symptoms and usually resolves on its own. However, seek a professional opinion if symptoms are severe or accompanied by vision changes.
Learn more about conjunctivitis

Red or bloodshot eyes

Many people notice bloodshot eye COVID symptoms, where the whites of their eyes appear red or pink due to inflammation of blood vessels. 
Learn more about red or bloodshot eyes

Eye pain and discomfort

Some people experience sore eyeballs, ranging from mild discomfort to more significant eye pain that may worsen with movement. 
Learn more about eye pain

Blurry vision

Blurry vision can occur during illness or persist afterwards, affecting your ability to see clearly at various distances. Blurry vision is often not a direct effect but a secondary impact from eye irritation and inflammation.
Learn more about blurry vision

Dry, itchy eyes

Itchy eyes and dry eye symptoms are common with COVID, as the virus can affect tear production and eye surface health. 
Learn more about itchy eyes and dry eye syndromes

Puffy or swollen eyelids

Some people notice swelling around their eyes, which can be related to inflammation or fluid retention during COVID. 
Learn more about puffy eye

How are COVID eye symptoms diagnosed?

If you're experiencing persistent eye symptoms after COVID, an optometrist can help determine whether they're related to your recent illness or another condition. They'll perform a comprehensive eye examination to assess your eye health and rule out other causes. This is particularly important if you're experiencing blurry vision, persistent itchy eye symptoms, or any vision or eye changes that concern you.

Medical history

Your optometrist will ask about your recent COVID infection, when your eye symptoms started, and how they've changed over time.

Visual acuity test

This checks how clearly you can see at different distances, which is important if you're experiencing blurry vision.

Eye surface examination

Using a slit lamp, your optometrist can examine your eye for signs of inflammation, dryness, or infection.

Tear film assessment

If you have dry, itchy eyes, they may test your tear production and quality to determine the best treatment approach.

How to treat COVID eye symptoms

Treatment for COVID eye symptoms depends on the specific symptoms you're experiencing and their severity. The good news is that most COVID‑related eye symptoms are mild and improve with time and appropriate care. Here's how to treat COVID eye symptoms effectively.

When COVID eye symptoms need medical help

While most COVID eye symptoms are mild and temporary, some situations require professional attention. You should see an optometrist or GP if symptoms are severe, persistent, or getting worse rather than better.

Lubricating eye drops

For COVID‑related itchy eyes and dry eye symptoms, preservative‑free artificial tears can provide relief and help support eye surface health. Your optometrist will recommend suitable drops based on your symptoms.

Anti‑inflammatory treatment

If you have significant inflammation, your optometrist may recommend specific treatments to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Vision correction

If COVID‑related blurry vision persists, you may need updated glasses or contact lenses, or further investigation to rule out other causes.

Preventing and managing COVID eye symptoms

If you've had COVID and your eyes feel different, there are steps you can take to support your recovery and prevent symptoms from worsening. Take regular screen breaks, use lubricating drops, and keep up with eye checks. These simple measures can make a significant difference in your comfort and recovery.

Less common but important COVID eye effects

While most people experience mild symptoms, it's important to be aware of less common but more serious effects that COVID can have on the eyes. These are rare, but understanding them helps you know when to seek urgent care. In very rare cases, COVID may affect the blood vessels in the retina or cause inflammation of deeper eye structures. Some people also report new floaters, flashes of light, or changes in their peripheral vision. If you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or significant changes in your vision after COVID, seek immediate medical attention. Remember, these serious complications are uncommon, but early detection and treatment are important for the best outcomes.

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