Ocular manifestations and SARS-CoV-2 detection in tears and conjunctival scrape from non-severe COVID-19 patients

AIM: To investigate whether the axial length (AL)/total corneal refractive power (TCRP) ratio is a sensitive and simple factor that can be used for the early diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS) in children. METHODS: The relationship between the AL/TCRP ratio and the diagnosis of MFS for 192 eyes in 97 children were determined. The biological characteristics, including age, sex, AL, and TCRP, were collected from medical records. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to investigate whether the AL/TCRP ratio effectively distinguishes MFS from other subjects. The Youden index was used to re-divide the whole population into two groups according to an AL/TCRP ratio of 0.59. RESULTS: Of 96 subjects evaluated, 56 (110 eyes) had a definite diagnosis of MFS in childhood based on the revised Ghent criteria, 41 (82 eyes) with diagnosis of congenital EL were included as a control group. AL was negatively correlated with TCRP, with a linear regression coefficient of -0.3566 (r=0.081). A significant correlation was found between age and the AL/TCRP ratio (P=0.023). ROC curve analysis showed that the AL/TCRP ratio distinguished MFS from the other subjects at a threshold of 0.59. MFS patients were present in 24/58 (41.38%) subjects with an AL/TCRP ratio of <0.6 and in 34/39 (87.18%) subjects with an AL/TCRP ratio of ≥0.6.CONCLUSIONS: An AL/TCRP ratio of ≥0.59 is significantly associated with the risk of MFS. The AL/TCRP ratio should be measured as a promising marker for the prognosis of children MFS. Changes in the AL/TCRP ratio should be monitored over time.     

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in human post-mortem ocular tissues

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 is found in conjunctival swabs and tears of COVID-19 patients. However, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 has not been detected in the human eye to date. We undertook this study to analyze the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in human post-mortem ocular tissues.MethodsThe expression of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was assessed by RT-PCR in corneal and scleral tissues from 33 surgical-intended donors who were eliminated from a surgical use per Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) donor screening guidelines or medical director review or positive COVID-19 test. Ocular levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (RT-PCR), Envelope and Spike proteins (immunohistochemistry) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies (ELISA) in blood were evaluated in additional 10 research-intent COVID-19 positive donors.FindingsOf 132 ocular tissues from 33 surgical-intended donors, the positivity rate for SARS-CoV-2 RNA was ~13% (17/132). Of 10 COVID-19 donors, six had PCR positive post-mortem nasopharyngeal swabs whereas eight exhibited positive post-mortem anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels. Among 20 eyes recovered from 10 COVID-19 donors: three conjunctival, one anterior corneal, five posterior corneal, and three vitreous swabs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. SARS-CoV-2 spike and envelope proteins were detected in epithelial layer of the corneas that were procured without Povidone-Iodine (PVP–I) disinfection.InterpretationsOur study showed a small but noteworthy prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in ocular tissues from COVID-19 donors. These findings underscore the criticality of donor screening guidelines, post-mortem nasopharyngeal PCR testing and PVP-I disinfection protocol to eliminate any tissue harboring SARS-CoV-2 being used for corneal transplantation.     

武汉市确诊COVID-19眼科医务人员的眼部症状调查研究

目的 调查武汉眼科医务人员确诊COVID-19的眼部症状情况。设计 横断面问卷调查。研究对象 2020年2月26日至3月20日武汉确诊COVID-19的28例眼科医务人员为病例组，根据1:3~4的比例随机抽取病例组所在医院未感染的96例眼科医务人员作为对照组。方法 使用“问卷网”进行问卷调查。主要指标 被调查者的基本信息、新冠病毒核酸检测结果、眼部症状。结果 病例组26例（92.9%）及对照组96例（100%）完成问卷调查。病例组平均年龄（41.9±11.7）岁，分布在武汉10所综合性及眼科专科医院，确诊时间为2020年1月16日至2月29日；对照组平均年龄（35.1±5.5）岁。感染组中女性19例（67.9%）；医生14例（50%），护士12例（42.9%），技师2例（7.1%）；感染时从事眼科临床工作者19例（67.9%），从事抗疫一线工作者9例（32.1%）。病例组重症8例（28.6%）（包括死亡3例，危重症1例），咽拭子核酸检测阳性15例（53.6%）。病例组中25.7%的人认为工作环境通风条件较差。病例组11例（42.3%）有眼部症状，显著高于对照组（15.6%）（P=0.003）。其中，眼痒10例（90.9%）显著高于对照组（73.3%）（P=0.001），流泪4例（36.4%）显著高于对照组（13.3%）（P=0.02）；病例组异物感7例（63.6%），眼红2例（18.2%），视物模糊2例（18.2%）。4例行结膜囊核酸检测的患者中1例阳性。轻症20例中9例（45%）有眼部症状，重症6例中2例（33.3%）有眼部症状。结论 武汉眼科医务人员COVID-19患者中约40%存在眼部症状。尽管结膜囊新冠病毒核酸检测样本量少，但证实结膜囊中确实存在新冠病毒。（眼科， 2020， 29： 332-338）     

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a conjunctival swab sample in real-time-polymerase chain reaction positive COVID-19 patients and its association with comorbidity and severity at a designated COVID-19 hospital in Central India

Purpose:To evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the conjunctival swab sample of positive confirmed COVID-19 patients and to find out its association with comorbidity and severity of COVID-19 disease.Methods:We conducted an observational cross-sectional study at a dedicated tertiary COVID-19 hospital in central India for a period of 8 weeks from February 2021to March 2021. We included patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA through nasopharyngeal swab and were above 18 years of age. Swab samples have been collected within 48 h of admission. Conjunctival swab was taken from the lower fornix of both eyes and sent to microbiology laboratory for real-time- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results:Out of 150 patients, conjunctival swab RT-PCR was positive in five patients (3.33%). Two patients had conjunctival manifestations in the form of conjunctivitis but conjunctival swab RT-PCR was negative in those patients. Among the RT-PCR positive patients, two (40%) were from mild, one (20%) was from moderate, and two (40%) were from severe category. No association could be established between conjunctival swab RT-PCR positivity and severity of the disease or associated comorbidity.Conclusion:Our study provides evidence that SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be detected in conjunctival secretions, and though the risk is relatively low, the eye may act as source of transmission. Extra caution should be taken by healthcare workers, and use of proper precautions like face shields and goggles should be encouraged.     

The evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on ocular surface

This is a cross-sectional study of patients who received a COVID-19 diagnosis between December 30, 2019 and February 7, 2020 at Tongji Hospital. A total of 102 patients (48 Male [47%] and 54 Female [53%]) with clinical symptoms, Rt, and chest Computed Tomography (CT) abnormalities were identified with a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19. Patients had a mean [SD] gestational age of 57.63 [14.90] years. Of a total of 102 patients identified, 72 patients (36 men [50%] and 36 women [50%]; mean [SD] age, 58.68 [14.81] years) were confirmed to have COVID-19 by laboratory diagnosis with a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay. Only two patients (2.78%) with conjunctivitis were identified from 72 patients with a laboratory confirmed COVID-19. Of those two patients, SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments were found in ocular discharges by SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in only one patient. Our findings suspect the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection through the ocular surface is extremely low, while the nosocomial infection of SARS-CoV-2 through the eyes after occupational exposure is a potential route. To lower the SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial infection, all health care professionals should wear protective goggles. The inefficient diagnostic method and the sampling time lag may contribute to the lower positive rate of conjunctival swab samples of SARS-CoV-2.     

ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are expressed on the human ocular surface,suggesting susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection

PurposeConjunctival signs and symptoms are observed in a subset of patients with COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in tears, raising concerns regarding the eye both as a portal of entry and carrier of the virus. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ocular surface cells possess the key factors required for cellular susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 entry/infection.MethodsWe analyzed human post-mortem eyes as well as surgical specimens for the expression of ACE2 (the receptor for SARS-CoV-2) and TMPRSS2, a cell surface-associated protease that facilitates viral entry following binding of the viral spike protein to ACE2.ResultsAcross all eye specimens, immunohistochemical analysis revealed expression of ACE2 in the conjunctiva, limbus, and cornea, with especially prominent staining in the superficial conjunctival and corneal epithelial surface. Surgical conjunctival specimens also showed expression of ACE2 in the conjunctival epithelium, especially prominent in the superficial epithelium, as well as weak or focal expression in the substantia propria. All eye and conjunctival specimens also expressed TMPRSS2. Finally, Western blot analysis of protein lysates from human corneal epithelium obtained during refractive surgery confirmed expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2.ConclusionsTogether, these results suggest that ocular surface cells including conjunctiva are susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, and could therefore serve as a portal of entry as well as a reservoir for person-to-person transmission of this virus. This highlights the importance of safety practices including face masks and ocular contact precautions in preventing the spread of COVID-19 disease.     

Human T-cell leukemia/lymphotropic virus type III in the conjunctival epithelium of a patient with AIDS

The human T-cell leukemia/lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III), the causative agent of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), has been isolated from the conjunctival epithelium of a 33-year-old woman with AIDS, suggesting that an important reservoir of the virus may be the ocular surface epithelial cells. The tears and conjunctival epithelium from normal controls were negative for HTLV-III. The finding of HTLV-III in the tears and conjunctival epithelium indicated that HTLV-III may be ubiquitous in bodily cells and fluids. Repeated contact with the tears and ocular surface epithelium of patients with AIDS may possibly facilitate transmission of HTLV-III, and precautions are advisable during routine ophthalmologic procedures such as glaucoma testing and contact-lens fitting.     

Longitudinal analysis of varicella-zoster virus DNA on the ocular surface associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus

PURPOSE: Longitudinal analysis of varicella-zoster virus DNA on the ocular surface of patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. METHODS: Clinical specimens were obtained from the bulbar conjunctival surface with a cotton-tipped swab at weekly intervals for 6 consecutive weeks from 21 patients with acute ophthalmic zoster with a skin rash duration of less than 7 days. All patients received oral valacyclovir 1000 mg three times daily for 10 days without additional corticosteroids. The swabs were analyzed by means of polymerase chain reaction for the presence of varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA. Conjunctival swabs were also obtained from a control group of 20 patients with cataract. RESULTS: On inclusion, varicella-zoster virus DNA was present on the ocular surface of 19 of the 21 patients. Six varicella-zoster virus DNA-positive patients had no signs of ocular inflammation. All control swabs were negative for both varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus DNA. The duration of varicella-zoster virus DNA detection from rash onset varied from 2 to 34 days. The number of days between the onset of herpes zoster skin rash and the latest positive varicella-zoster virus DNA test was significantly longer in patients whose age was equal to or above the median age of 66 years than in the younger patients (Mann-Whitney test: P =.0004). At 6-week follow-up, all conjunctival swabs were negative for varicella-zoster virus DNA. However, at that time, the eyes of seven patients were still inflamed. CONCLUSION: The duration of varicella-zoster virus DNA shedding in herpes zoster ophthalmicus is highly variable and age dependent, and is probably related to the host immune response.     

Detección de anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 en lágrimas: inmunidad de la superficie ocular frente a COVID-19

PurposeTo evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgA and IgG antibodies in tears of unvaccinated and anti-COVID-19 vaccinated subjects with previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To compare results in tears with those in saliva and serum and correlate with clinical data and vaccination regimens.MethodsCross-sectional study including subjects with a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, both unvaccinated and vaccinated against COVID-19. Three samples were collected: tears, saliva and serum. IgA and IgG antibodies against S-1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed with a semi-quantitative ELISA.ResultsThirty subjects, mean age 36.4 ± 10, males 13/30 (43.3%) with history of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. 13/30 (43.3%) subjects had received a 2-dose regimen and 13/30 (43.3%) a 3-dose regimen of anti-COVID-19 vaccine, 4/30 (13.3%) subjects were unvaccinated. All the participants with full anti-COVID-19 vaccination (2-or 3-doses) presented detectable anti-S1 specific IgA in all 3 biofluids, tears, saliva and serum. Among unvaccinated subjects, specific IgA was detected in 3/4 subjects in tears and saliva, whereas IgG was not detected. Considering IgA and IgG antibodies titers, no differences were observed between the 2- and 3-dose vaccination regimen.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2-specific IgA and IgG antibodies were detected in tears after mild COVID-19, highlighting the role of the ocular surface as a first line of defense against infection. Most naturally infected unvaccinated individuals exhibit long-term specific IgA in tears and saliva. Hybrid immunization (natural infection plus vaccination) appears to enhance mucosal and systemic IgG responses. However, no differences were observed between the 2- and 3-dose vaccination schedule.     

Rapid detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) antigen in human ocular infections

The new HERPCHEK (Dupont, No. Billerica, MA) enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA) was used in a double-blind clinical study for rapid and specific detection of ocular herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. This 4-hour assay can be used to demonstrate conclusively the presence of HSV antigen without culture and thereby rapidly differentiate between HSV and other clinically similar ocular infectious diseases. Ocular samples were collected from 180 individuals including 30 patients with acute HSV, 90 with latent HSV (ie, currently asymptomatic but with a positive history), 11 with acute or latent varicella zoster virus, 30 with nonherpetic infections (due to adenovirus, Acanthamoeba or bacteria), and 19 normal controls. A clinical diagnosis was made by one of us (DPL) and duplicate tear-film samples obtained by swabbing the conjunctival cul-de-sac and cornea. Coded samples were tested by routine viral culture on Vero cell monolayers and also were run independently in the HERPCHEK test. During active HSV infection, the HERPCHEK correlated 100% with clinical diagnosis, and virus culture correlated 90% with clinical diagnosis. In all latent HSV ocular infections, other nonherpetic ocular infections and normal samples, both the HERPCHEK and culture assays were negative.     

Ophthalmopathy in childhood Graves' disease

AIMS: To study the ocular manifestations and their severity in children with Graves' disease. METHODS: All patients with Graves' disease having regular follow up in a paediatric endocrine clinic were recruited for the study. A comprehensive ophthalmic assessment including ocular motility, exophthalmometry, intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp, and fundus examinations was performed. RESULTS: 83 patients (72 female, 11 male) aged 16 years or below were examined. All are Chinese. Ocular symptoms occurred in 12 patients. Ocular signs of ophthalmopathy were documented in 52 patients (62.7%). Most of them presented with eyelid abnormalities such as lid oedema, lid lag, and lagophthalmos, whereas lower lid retraction was the commonest clinical sign noted (38.6%). Diffuse conjunctival injection was found in four patients (4.8%). 10 patients (12.0%) had mild proptosis of less than 3 mm. Only one patient (1.2%) had limited extraocular motility in extreme gaze. Punctate epithelial corneal erosions were reported in 11 patients (13.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest series on the ocular complications of childhood Graves' disease in the literature. Although 52 patients (62.7%) were identified with positive ocular changes, none of them had visual threatening complications or debilitating myopathy.     

Immune electron microscopy and a cultural test in the diagnosis of adenovirus ocular infection.

Immune electron microscopy (IEM) and virus isolation in cell culture were compared in the diagnosis of adenovirus ocular infection during an outbreak of the disease in 1979. Eleven of 14 patients with a keratoconjunctivitis clinically indicative of adenovirus infection had IEM evidence of adenovirus infection or had the virus isolated from ocular swabs. The IEM was positive in 8 patients. Virus as isolated from 10 patients. IEM was positive in one culture negative patient. Since IEM provides a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of adenovirus in human tears, it may be a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinician.     

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus in tears

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a new infectious disease that caused a global outbreak in 2003. Research has shown that it is caused by a novel coronavirus. A series of cases is reported where polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on tears had demonstrated the presence of the virus. Detection of ocular infection from tears using the PCR technique has been widely used by ophthalmologists to diagnose infections for other viruses. METHODS: This is a case series report from cases classified as probable or suspect SARS cases. Tear samples were collected from 36 consecutive patients who were suspected of having SARS in Singapore over a period of 12 days (7-18 April 2003), and analysed by PCR using protocols developed by the WHO network of laboratories. RESULTS: Three patients with probable SARS (one female and two male patients) had positive results from their tear samples. Tear samples were used to confirm SARS in the female patient, who was positive only from her tears. The positive specimens were found in cases sampled early in their course of infection. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case series reported with the detection of the SARS coronavirus from tears, and has important implications for the practice of ophthalmology and medicine. The ability to detect and isolate the virus in the early phase of the disease may be an important diagnostic tool for future patients and tear sampling is both simple and easily repeatable. Many healthcare workers are in close proximity to the eyes of patients and this may be a source of spread among healthcare workers and inoculating patients. Ophthalmic practices may need to change as more stringent barrier methods, appropriate quarantine, and isolation measures are vital when managing patients with SARS.     

Electron microscopy for the diagnosis of ocular viral infections

Tear samples obtained from patients with suspected viral conjunctivitis were examined by virus culture and by the pseudoreplica method for electron microscopy (EM). Adenoviruses were isolated in 13 of the 34 cases (38%) clinically diagnosed as adenovirus conjunctivitis. Characteristic adenoviral particles were demonstrated by electron microscopy in seven of the culture-positive, and two of the culture-negative samples. In cases of herpes simplex virus ocular infection, tears were virus positive by culture in one-third of the patients; two-thirds of the culture positive specimens were also positive by EM. This study demonstrates the potential of electron microscopy as a rapid, specific, and relatively inexpensive method for the laboratory diagnosis of ocular viral infections.     

Ophthalmic manifestations in the COVID-19 clinical spectrum

Purpose:The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and various types of ophthalmic manifestation of patients with COVID-19.Methods:This is a prospective observational study conducted on patients with SARS-Co-V-2 infection, at a dedicated tertiary COVID-19 hospital in South India from April 1 to July 31, 2020. At the time of their admission to the COVID hospital, demographic data such as name, age, sex was recorded. A thorough history regarding the onset, duration, progression, nature of symptoms and its associated factors, medication history, treatment history were elicited and documented. Ocular examination was performed under torchlight by an ophthalmologist posted for COVID duty. Further investigations including imaging were sought for, depending on clinical indications. Serial follow-up examinations of all patients were carried out every 72 hours or when patients complained of any ocular symptoms whichever earlier, until discharge. All relevant data were compiled and statistically analyzed.Results:A total of 2742 patients were examined. Of them, 1461 (53.28%) were males and 1281 (46.72%) were females. The mean age (±SD) was 39.46 ± 17.63 years. None of the patients in our study had any ocular symptoms or signs as the presenting complaint at the time of their admission. On subsequent follow-up, only 20 (0.72%) developed ocular manifestations, of which 19 (95%) had features suggestive of Bilateral viral conjunctivitis. However, 1 (5%) patient had orbital cellulitis secondary to pansinusitis.Conclusion:Ophthalmic manifestations in the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 infection are uncommon and unlikely to be the presenting clinical impression. However, it has broadened our view to a wider spectrum of COVID-19 presentations enhancing our clinical acumen for staunch detection of COVID-19 suspects in our daily practice, augmenting early diagnosis and management and also break the chain of transmission for the greater good of humanity.     

Ocular manifestations in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Rendu-Osler-Weber disease)

Although hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a cause of blood tears from the conjunctival telangiectasias, visual loss from intraocular vascular malformations is a rare complication. We examined 20 patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia to determine the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in this disease. Seven patients (35%) had conjunctival telangiectasias and two (10%) had retinal vascular malformations.     

Tear film MMP accumulation and corneal disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) accumulate in the tears of patients with active peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) but it is unknown whether these enzymes have a central role in disease progression. The aims of the present investigation were to determine the source of these enzymes and to ascertain whether their accumulation in tears is a phenomenon specific to PUK or a general feature of other anterior segment diseases. METHODS: The experimental samples were obtained from the culture media of conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells, from fractionated blood plasma and leucocytes of healthy subjects and patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and from the tears of healthy subjects and patients with a variety of anterior segment diseases. The MMPs of all samples were visualised by zymography and tear samples were assayed using nitrophenol acetate and an MMP-9 susceptible quenched fluorescent peptide as substrate. RESULTS: The major MMPs that accumulate in the tears of patients with rheumatoid arthritis with active ocular disease are MMP-9 and a species of M(r) 116,000. By comparing the zymographic activity profiles of the gelatinases present in the samples obtained, it was deduced that the main source of these MMPs was granulocytes. Their accumulation in tears was not unique to patients with PUK; detectable amounts of the enzymes also occurred in the tears of patients with keratoconus with associated atopic disease, patients undergoing treatment for herpetic eye disease, and patients with systemic and non-systemic dry eye disease. CONCLUSION: The MMPs that accumulate in tears are mainly derived from granulocytes. This may be effected by autoimmune diseases that involve ocular tissue or by ocular diseases that induce an inflammatory response.     

Knowledge,attitude, and practice of ophthalmic manifestations in COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care center

Purpose:Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, various manifestations have been reported, including ophthalmic symptoms, especially with the different mutations and variants that have occurred over the last few years. In view of this, our study was conducted to gauge the knowledge, attitude, and practices of patients toward the ophthalmic manifestations of COVID-19.Methods:This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional, observational study. Patients who had tested positive for COVID-19 were asked to answer a detailed questionnaire about their knowledge of COVID-19 ophthalmic symptoms, their experience with the symptoms, and their attitude and practice toward the same. The data collected was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and the Chi-squared test was used to determine significant differences in the results among different demographic profiles.Results:Our study found that 82 (39%) of the 210 participants were aware that COVID-19 could present with symptoms in the eyes. A total of 47 participants had experienced eye symptoms of COVID-19. Among them, only 15 (31.91%) consulted and received treatment from an ophthalmologist or general physician for the same. Most of them (59.57%) did not seek any treatment, and 8.5% self-medicated or used non-allopathic forms of medicine. The most common symptom was redness of the eyes, reported by 57.44% of those who had eye symptoms.Conclusion:Most people were unaware of ocular manifestations of COVID-19 and most of those who were aware were medical professionals. Amongst those who developed symptoms, only a minority sought medical treatment.     

Evaluating the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the intraocular fluid of COVID-19 patients

Purpose:To detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in aqueous and vitreous humor of COVID-19 patients in a pilot study.Methods:Consecutive patients planned for emergency ophthalmic surgeries after ocular trauma were subjected to naso-oropharyngeal RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. Laboratory-confirmed cases were enrolled for the study. During surgery, 0.1 mL aqueous and vitreous each was aspirated. The vitreous tap was collected on clinical suspicion of endophthalmitis. RT-PCR test was used to detect SARS-COV-2 nucleotide in the samples. Cycle threshold (Ct) for E gene of ≤35 along with confirmatory results on one of the two target genes (RdRp or ORF1b) was considered as positive.Results:One hundred and thirty two patients were found positive on naso-oropharyngeal RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 preoperatively. Seven patients with ocular trauma were studied. The mean age was 31.8 years. There were six male and one female patient. Two patients had symptoms of mild COVID-19 disease and the rest were asymptomatic. The mean Ct value of the E gene on naso-oropharyngeal RT-PCR was 23.14 ± 4.7. Corneal and corneoscleral laceration repair was done in five patients, intracorneal wooden foreign body was removed in one patient, and injection of intravitreal antibiotics was done in one patient. Aqueous and vitreous tap was collected in 7 and 5 patients, respectively. None of the aqueous or vitreous samples was found positive for SARS-CoV-2.Conclusion:SARS-CoV-2 was not detected by RT-PCR in aqueous or vitreous humor in this pilot study. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed to further explore the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in intraocular fluids.