Dry eyes and COVID-19: a narrative review

ABSTRACT

With the advent of the pandemic scenario caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the beginning of the year 2020, a vast clinical picture was noticed among the infected individuals. Among the most common eye symptoms caused by Covid-19, dry eye (DE) has become quite prevalent in this environment. The narrative review study seeks to assess the risk factors associated with the emergence or intensification of DE conditions in the population during the pandemic period. A literature review showed the influence of positive pressure ventilation, incorrect use of masks, as well as electronic screens, in addition to anxiety and depression as predisposing factors for the development of dry eye disease. However, the need for more explanatory studies and for establishing a direct relationship between the causality of the factors is still noted