This week, coronavirus cases in the UK have hit 9,500, leading to widespread panic about the spread of the virus.
While studies have shown that the virus spread through mucus and droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing, until now scientist have been unsure as to whether it can spread through other bodily fluids.
Now, researchers from the National University Hospital in Singapore have assessed whether coronavirus can be spread through tears, and suggest that the risk of transmission is low.
In the study, the researchers collected tear samples from 17 coronavirus patients from the time they showed symptoms until they recovered around 20 days later.
An analysis of the tears revealed that the virus couldn’t be detected in their tears throughout the course of the disease.
The researchers also took samples from the back of the throat and nose during the same time period.
They found that while the patients’ tears were clear of the virus, their noses and throats were teeming with COVID-19.
The study comes shortly after experts revealed that pink eye, or conjunctivitis, develops in about 1-3% of people with coronavirus.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology explained: “If you see someone with pink eye, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean that person is infected with coronavirus.
“But health officials believe viral pink eye, or conjunctivitis, develops in about 1% to 3% of people with coronavirus.
“The virus can spread by touching fluid from an infected person’s eyes, or from objects that carry the fluid.”
Based on this, Dr Sonal Tuli, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, advised: “It’s important to remember that although there is a lot of concern about coronavirus, common sense precautions can significantly reduce your risk of getting infected.
“So wash your hands a lot, follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing your nose, mouth and especially your eyes.”
