Researchers from Johns Hopkins University said the outer eye cells are a major target of the virus because it contains receptors called ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2). Similar to those in the lung, and considered the entrance through which the virus enters the cell.
The results of the researchers came after analyzing the eyes of ten people, who died from causes not related to Covid-19, and found in them this type of protein receptor, which allows the virus to penetrate, but with the help of another substance called TMPRSS2 which is also necessary for the virus to enter and reproduce effectively, which confirmed that Infectious drops that people who are infected with the virus when sneezing or coughing can reach the eye and thus cause infection directly.
The researchers said that these results explain why people with corona were exposed to eye infections (epic inflammation or pink eye) as a direct result of infection with the virus, and not as a secondary symptom.
Doctors are known to wear glasses or protective masks to protect their eyes.
Leader of the medical team Lingley Chu, of the Department of Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University, advises the general public that this study "highlights the importance of safety practices, including face masks and visual contact precautions in preventing the spread of Covid-19 disease".