Can Monkeypox Affect Your Eyes?

What Is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans), spread to humans by a double-stranded virus known as the monkeypox virus. It is contracted by humans through non-human primates and rodents. Symptoms produced by the monkeypox virus include fever with chills, headache, flu-like symptoms, myalgia, palpable lymph nodes, and blister-like skin rash. Patients recover within the interval of two to four weeks naturally.

How Does Monkeypox Affect Our Eyes?

Monkeypox virus may spread to the eye by autoinoculation or self-inoculation. Self-inoculation ensues when a diseased person scratches or rubs a blister or a vesicle and then touches the eyes, transmitting the disease from one part of the body to another.

What Signs and Symptoms Are Seen in the Eyes?

Ocular Manifestations of the monkeypox virus are:

● Conjunctivitis

● Blepharitis or swelling of eyelid margins

● Keratitis

● Corneal ulcer

● Corneal scarring

● Loss of vision (rarely)

● Redness in eyes/ pink eyes

● Itching in eyes

How to Treat Eye Conditions Associated with Monkeypox

First and foremost, isolating oneself at home when monkeypox symptoms appear till the rash has completely gone away. As soon as the patient starts noticing ocular symptoms an appointment with an ophthalmologist must be made. There is no agreed treatment for Monkeypox, it usually goes away on its own within two to four weeks.

Most people improve fully without requiring any treatment, but if a rash becomes infected, Doctors might prescribe antiviral, antibiotic (for superadded bacterial infections), or anti-inflammatory medications to treat severe ocular problems.

Treatment is given based on the symptoms, and for corneal scarring prescription might include glasses and contact lenses (soft or rigid) for the protection of the eyes. Laser treatment or corneal transplantation once the virus has gone away.

For pink eye associated with monkeypox, several options are available, for an instance, the use of Lubricant eye drops or artificial tears to relieve itching in the eyes. Cold compresses reduce the swelling in the eyelids. Abstinence from the use of contact lenses. No makeup until the eyes are healthy.

How to Prevent Monkeypox

Patients must isolate themselves completely till the disease disappears completely. Sharing of private items like garments or towels with others must be avoided. A new towel should be used every time you need one. Have no physical interaction with others. Rinse your hands over and over again with soap and water.

Do not have any sort of physical contact with pets. If you are a contact lens wearer, shift to glasses up until your symptoms vanish. Change the pair of your contact lenses once the disease has healed. Do not touch your eyes or face after touching blisters. Keep yourself hydrated.

Vaccinations are also available for high-risk patients and patients who have a disease in the initial stages.