Many symptoms ofCOVID-19have surfaced in the years since cases of the SARS-CoV-2 virus surfaced in late 2019.
Although respiratory symptoms have received the most attention throughout the pandemic, eye pain is also a common complaint.
Eye pain, burning, and soreness can all develop with a COVID-19 infection.
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COVID-related eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) have been documented throughout the pandemic.
Some evidence suggests eye secretions or drainage can transmit the virus to others.
There also may be a connection between neurological and immune-related complications of COVID-19 and eye pain.
COVID-19 infections have been found to increase your risk of neurological disorders associated with inflammation or nerve damage.
While there are some consistent symptoms across all variants, symptoms can vary among variants.
The JN.1 variant circulating in early 2024 more frequently featured gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea.
Treatment and Management for COVID-Related Eye Pain
Most eye symptoms associated with COVID-19 resolve on their own.
One study found that eye symptoms with a COVID infection went away within two weeks the active infection resolving.
Even if the clot resolves, you could require ongoing treatment to address any permanent damage.
Generally, people who develop serious eye problems have severe forms of COVID-19 infection.
Retinal bleeding and blood clots usually appear with a sudden total loss of vision without pain.
They must be treated as a medical emergency to avoid permanent vision loss.
Summary
COVID-19 infections can appear with a wide range of symptoms, including eye pain.
Eye pain, soreness, and irritation usually fade in a week or two as the infection resolves.
However, some COVID-related problems can lead to more severe eye problems and even vision loss.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
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