ABSTRACT
Since the nasolacrimal duct is a continuation of the nasal mucosa, it can be assumed that the virus may invade the lacrimal tissue from the nasal mucosa. Because of this anatomical proximity and high aerosol generation, elective ocular surgeries and especially nasolacrimal surgeries are not recommended during the pandemic period6-8. [...]it was aimed to investigate the reliability of nasolacrimal duct surgeries in terms of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS This cross-sectional prospective study was carried out in accordance with the standards of the Helsinki declaration and approved by the Research Protocol and Ethics Committee of Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital (HNEAH-KAEK 2021/119). [...]the PCR results of NLSs and lacrimal sac swabs were evaluated for compatibility. [...]the reliability of performing DCR surgeries during the pandemic period in terms of infection was investigated. [...]the respiratory mucosa and lacrimal duct have the same sialic acid sequence, which acts as a receptor for infectious agents15. Because of these similar immunological and histological features of the nasolacrimal duct epithelium and nasal mucosa, it is possible for viruses in the nasal mucosa to pass into the nasolacrimal duct and spread the virus.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus-19 (Covid-19), which has affected the whole world in a very short time, can infect the eye by using the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 receptor. Viral prevalence in the conjunctiva was reported to be between 3% and 16% in patients with Covid-19. Although Covid-19 has been reported to cause symptoms of conjunctivitis and rash in the eye, no complete evidence has yet been presented that the virus is transmitted from the eye. The low rate of PCR positivity in conjunctival swabs may be due to the effect of lactoferrin (LF), which is among the tear defense systems. LF, the natural protein found in tears, plays a major role in the eye's immune system. The antiviral effect of LF on the SARS-CoV pseudotype, which is in the same family as SARS-CoV-2, has been demonstrated in-vitro.