Why am I seeing stars in my vision, and what can I do? Frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your face. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. Dry eye symptoms can be heightened by many activities or environments, from using computer screens to extreme weather. Flushing your eyes with lukewarm water immediately can help you minimize damage. But you may treat the symptoms of COVID toes if they bother you. NIH launches database to track neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19. Its best to avoid rinsing your eyes with tap or bottled water. Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is a viral infection that causes burning, redness, and discharge. Allergies are a very common cause of burning eyes. The doctor will examine the eyes for signs of irregularities, dryness, and damage. If your discomfort continues, let your doctor know, since there are other dry eye treatments that may be more effective and also help relieve your burning eyes. How can I prevent burning eyes as well as COVID-19, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/coronavirus-versus-allergies-pink-eye, cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7383095/?report=reader, 7 Daily Activities You Didnt Realize Could Be Worsening Your Dry Eyes, Dry Eye or Allergies: How to Tell the Difference. Ocular manifestations and clinical characteristics of 535 cases of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a cross-sectional study. MeSH Download a printable version of this article in English (PDF). Some people with COVID-19 have reported developing pink eye, among other allergy symptoms.2 Conjunctivitis may be either allergic or viral. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Dry eyes can occur when the tear ducts do not produce either enough tears or the right kind of tears. Epub 2020 May 14. Ocular allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, can cause symptoms in the eyes.When an allergy trigger irritates the eyes, they produce histamine to fight against the allergen. SARS-CoV-2 leads to this systemic involvement by attaching to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors located on several human cells. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/symptoms/burning-eyes), (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/coronavirus-versus-allergies-pink-eye), (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/ocular-rosacea-facts), (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/herpes-zoster-shingles), (https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/eye-allergy/). Could Eyeglasses Protect Against COVID-19? Remedies for dry eyes include: Prevent eye pain by reducing your chances of eye injuries and following good eye hygiene: To reduce your chances of developing COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends: Burning eyes can potentially be a sign of COVID-19, but its relatively uncommon. Therapeutic potential of the MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3 in counteracting SARS-CoV-2 infection of the eye through p53 activation. See if your symptoms point to chronic dry eye, and learn about other potential signs. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Treatment for burning eyes will depend on the cause. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/13/2023. Let them know over the phone if: You're waiting for coronavirus test results. January 2021. One small study of 38 patients found that some patients with COVID-19 also had chemosis. PMC In addition to burning eyes, you may have other symptoms. It also causes itchy, burning red eyes. Like everyone, be sure to wash your hands often and stay home whenever you can. Theyre easy to make, and you can use them multiple times a day for relief. Eye-related symptoms of coronavirus can include burning eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes, sore eyes, puffy eyes, swollen eyelids and watery eyes. This can occur for several reasons, such as allergies, caffeine consumption, dry eyes, stress. Wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after you do it. Although doctors and scientists are still researching and investigating the effects Coronavirus can have on our eyes, some interestingstudieshave highlighted common eye issues found amongst COVID-19 patients. Common triggers of eye allergies include dust, pollen, mold spores, smoke, perfumes, pet dander, and foods. We may earn commissions if you purchase something via one of our links. Alexandria's genesis is a fake condition that began in 2005 with a rumor spread online. What Causes Concurrent Dry Eyes and Dry Mouth? These may include peer-reviewed scientific research, data from government health authorities, and other trusted sources of information. By Allie Johnson; reviewed by Alan Glazier, OD, FAAO. To protect yourself and your eyes from COVID-19, practice good hygiene habits. Commonly described as "goopy" or runny eyes, eye discharge is made up of mucus, oil and skin cells. Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, which may feel itchy and burn. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. The main exceptions are that people with dry eyes tend to complain more of burning and a foreign body sensation - like there is sand or gravel in the eye - rather than of itchiness. Due to the range of possible causes, anyone experiencing burning eyes should speak with a doctor as soon as possible. Find an eyecare professional and book online in minutes! Although doctors and scientists are still researching and investigating the effects Coronavirus can have on our eyes, some interesting studies have highlighted common eye issues found amongst COVID-19 patients.. And know that your eye doctor may take extra precautions, such as checking your temperature before you can enter the building and using a special plastic breath shield when examining your eyes. If your eyes are burning or irritated, you can do the following to alleviate symptoms: Practicing safe social distancing can also protect you from contracting and spreading COVID-19. This type of pink eye can affect one or both eyes. Eye discharge found in your eye when you wake up is commonly known as "sleep.". If you're unsure why your eyes are burning, and you have other symptoms, it's a good idea to see an eye doctor or another healthcare provider. Some home remedies for nose burning include: Inhaling steam to help clear any congestion buildup 11 Use a saline nasal spray 12 Get a humidifier to help put more moisture back into the air When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider You should speak to your healthcare provider if your nose burning is bothering you and you are unsure of the cause. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help 2022 Sep 13;9:877023. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.877023. But you shouldcontinue to practice safehygiene habits for wearing and caring for them. Examples of surgery include the insertion of plugs into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining away from the eyes and the removal of the pterygium if it interferes with vision. If your symptoms dont respond to home remedies, its important to make an appointment with a primary care physician or an ophthalmologist. To find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233. These particles most often enter through your nose or mouth as well as your eyes. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatments. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Cool compresses gently applied over your closed eyelids can also help soothe burning eyes. Available at selected Essilor Experts. However, even clean air can cause your eyes to burn, especially when its particularly hot, cold or dry. Most people have described this as having runny eyes, and others have said their eyes had felt goopy or gooey, describing the eye discharge they are experiencing more frequently with their case of COVID-19. RECOVER: Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery Symptoms Eye doctors may also apply drops to the eyes that allow them to observe the flow of tears and moisture levels in the eyes. You should see an eye doctor or other healthcare provider for burning eyes if you have eye pain, sensitivity to light, discharge from the eye, or vision changes. : ACE2 expression on the ocular surface. Burning eyes refers to irritated, stinging sensations in one or both eyes. 2021 Mar;31(2):NP161-NP166. COVID-19: How to protect yourself & others. The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. Through her writing, Dr. Huang enjoys educating patients on how to lead healthier and happier lives. Patients with persistent eye twitching should see an eye doctor. Dry eye can have many of the same symptoms as allergic eye disease, with the eye being red and possibly watery ("My eyes are tearing--how could it be dry eyes?"). It's important to note that an eye issue in a person with coronavirus could actually be caused by something other than the virus. Update on overview of ocular manifestations of COVID-19. Last medically reviewed on July 29, 2021. Many forms of conjunctivitis go away with over-the-counter treatments in about 1-2 weeks. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. In very rare cases of COVID-19, it is possible to develop eye symptoms with no other symptoms of COVID-19. If a household product gets in your eyes and causes burning, the first thing you should do is check the product label for specific instructions. A case report described one patient who had neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and experienced facial spasms that included eye twitching. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. These conditions can lead to a . Burning eyes is a term that describes a burning or stinging feeling in one or both of your eyes. Blepharitis can affect both eyes or just one eye. Getting sunscreen in your eyes at the beach is a common cause of burning eyes. SEE ALSO: How to use eye drops without spilling. What is a pinguecula and a pterygium (surfer's eye)? Eye twitching was not identified as an ocular symptom of COVID-19 in a meta-analysis of 12 studies on COVID-19 eye symptoms. A COVID-19 runny nose can last anywhere from a few days to a week or more. For example, children and adults often get sunscreen in their eyes during the warmer months. It's caused by wind and UV exposure. Hu Y, Chen T, Liu M, Zhang L, Wang F, Zhao S, Liu H, Xia H, Wang Y, Li L. Acta Ophthalmol. Learn how to tell the difference and how to treat. Ocular manifestations of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Conjunctivitis as a sole symptom of COVID-19: A case report and review of literature. These symptoms include burning eyes, red eyes, sore eyes, puffy eyes, and watery eyes. Those symptoms will depend on the exact cause of your burning eyes. Environmental factors like wind, smoke, and a dry climate can contribute to dry eyes. After 12 studies on the symptoms of COVID-19, however, COVID-19 has been shown to cause neurological symptoms in some patients, such as facial spasms, which could cause eye twitching. Pink Eye or Dry Eye: Knowing the Differences, How Does Heat Impact and Dry Out Your Eyes, How to Treat Dry Eye with a Warm Compress, soaking a cloth in warm water and applying it over your closed eyes for a few minutes, freezing a wet cloth for a few minutes in a sealed plastic bag and applying it to your closed eyes, applying cucumber slices over your eyes to reduce inflammation, running a humidifier to increase moisture in the air, looking away from your screens more frequently. 2022 Jul 14;9:902713. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.902713. The UV light from tanning beds also can raise the risk for photokeratitis. There are many things that can cause dry mouth and eyes. COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus disease; ocular manifestations; ocular surface. Some patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) were treated with the malaria drugs Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) or Aralen (chloroquine). The doctor will also review the medications the person is taking. Porter, D. (2021). Burning eyes can have several causes, including allergies, dryness, and pink eye. Here are a few of the possibilities. Frequently washing your hands can help prevent pink eye. Dutescu RM, Banasik P, Schildgen O, Schrage N, Uthoff D. Cornea. Other common irritants that can make your eyes burn include makeup, skin moisturizers, soap and cleaning products. Burning eyes can have several causes. First and foremost: It's unlikely that SARS-CoV-2the virus that causes COVID-19directly causes dry eye. Do People With AMD Have a Higher Risk of COVID Complications? Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis such as that caused by the coronavirus may include: Like any viral conjunctivitis, a COVID eye infection should be considered very contagious. Other possible symptoms of eye allergies include: Overexposure to the UV light from the suns rays can cause eye sunburn, which is also known as photokeratitis. Earlier in the pandemic, many doctors temporarily closed their offices except for emergency care. The right medications for COVID-19 can help. eCollection 2022. According to a study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, conjunctivitis has been found in 1% - 3% of adults with a positive case of COVID-19. Doctors are still learning about COVID-19 and eye problems, so it's too early to know whether coronavirus actually can cause chemosis. Viral conjunctivitis can be spread by coughing, sneezing and touching your eyes. Connection Between COVID-19, Allergies, and Pink Eye, Other Eye Conditions Associated With Coronavirus. Talk to a doctor if you have pink eye in combination with any of the above COVID-19 symptoms. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Although researchers and healthcare . Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. It can strip them of these barriers and increase your risk of infection.1. Detection of Coronavirus in Tear Samples of Hospitalized Patients With Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 From Oropharyngeal Swabs. Another name for pterygium is surfer's eye. Dry eye disease. Front Med (Lausanne). Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Dupuis P, Prokopich CL, Hynes A, et al. But in some cases, burning eyes are a sign of a medical condition that needs treatment. The 8 Best Eye Drops for Allergies of 2023, Types of Eye Allergies and Their Symptoms, Itchy Eyes: Causes, Remedies, and Treatment, 7 Reasons Your Contacts Are Giving You Red Eyes. Our eyes may play a role in the spread and prevention of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, but the relationship between the coronavirus and your eyes is a complicated one. A pterygium can remain small enough not to cause any symptoms, or it can become large enough to impede your vision. What are eye allergies? Wear glasses. Page published on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. You can potentially reduce eye pain with home remedies, such as: If your eye pain is caused by allergies or irritants, rinsing your eyes with lukewarm water can help remove the particles from your eyes. If you must touch your eyes, use a tissue instead of your fingers. Vanessa Caceres is a nationally published health journalist with over 15 years of experience covering medical topics including eye health, cardiology, and more. This narrative review aims to sum up all segmental ocular complications, ocular adverse effects of COVID-19 treatment, and preventive measures suggested to minimize the SARS-CoV-2 transmission between patients and ophthalmologists by reviewing currently available literature. We avoid using tertiary references. Instruction Courses and Skills Transfer Labs, Program Participant and Faculty Guidelines, LEO Continuing Education Recognition Award, What Practices Are Saying About the Registry, Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS), Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Directory, Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Meetings, Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Campaign, Global Programs and Resources for National Societies, Gua de coronavirus para pacientes oftlmicos. But this is a relatively rare symptom. People have been seriously harmed and even died after taking products not approved for use to treat or prevent COVID-19, even products approved or prescribed for other uses. Additional symptoms of ocular rosacea may include: A pterygium is a growth of fleshy tissue on the white part of the eye. Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis can include: Burning eyes Stinging eyes Eye redness Clear discharge Watery eyes Mild sensitivity to light Read our. Is pink eye a symptom of COVID-19, a cold or the flu? Is it COVID-19 or allergies? Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Positive detection of SARS-CoV-2 combined HSV1 and HHV6B virus nucleic acid in tear and conjunctival secretions of a non-conjunctivitis COVID-19 patient with obstruction of common lacrimal duct. It found that conjunctivitis symptoms occurred in just 0.8 percent of those coronavirus patients.6. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Dry eye. BioMed Research International. Keywords: Avoid touching your face, especially the mucous membranes in your mouth, nose, and eyes. Diagnosis. Bryan Wolynski, OD, is a board-certified community optometrist who has been in the eye care field for over 30 years. But if you also have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, ask your doctor what, if anything, you should do. You can try a cool compress, a warm compress, using sunglasses to lower UV exposure and artificial tears. How older drivers can improve their driving at night, What to do if you get sunscreen in your eyes, schedule an appointment with a local eye doctor, Eye problems that could be related to COVID, 7 best sunscreens that won't burn your eyes. Burning eyes can be both uncomfortable and concerning. Treatment for burning eyes depends on whats causing them. If a person has more severe symptoms, such as vision loss, they should see an eye doctor immediately. Sore eyes - 16% of COVID-19 patients in the study reported this symptom Eye-related symptoms of coronavirus can include burning eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes, sore eyes, puffy eyes, swollen eyelids and watery eyes. This is what leads to allergic symptoms. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Eye allergies, as well as bacterial and viral eye infections, can cause inflammation that leads to burning eyes. Symptoms, causes and treatment. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. You could get this from an activity like watching a solar eclipse or the bright sun reflecting off sand, water, or snow. Contracting and spreading coronavirus through your eyes is rare.5 But it can happen. One symptom of dry eyes is burning. These symptoms include burning eyes, red eyes, sore eyes, puffy eyes, and watery eyes. 2022 Nov 9;13:1024124. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024124. This is a common eye infection, which causes inflammation and redness, hence why many know this as pink eye. The herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores can also affect the eyes. Allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine can be classified as either non-severe or severe: Non-severe: Non-severe allergic reactions happen within 4 hours of vaccination. However, for some people, it also can cause redness in or around the eyes. But if your eyes dont feel better within a day or two, contact your provider. Eye discharge plays an integral part in keeping our eyes healthy, so this isnt always something to be concerned about. Inspired to help readers see the world more clearly, she writes about everything from finding the appropriate eyeglasses and contacts to treating and preventing eye diseases to getting corrective surgeries to improve vision. This may include questions about: Treatment for burning eyes will depend on the cause. Some patients also have a red or pink "blister" on the white of the eye. Learn more: Allergies vs. COVID-19: What Are the Differences? The most common COVID-19 symptoms to look out for along with these eye symptoms include: The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 enters your cells through an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). If you are an allergy sufferer, your doctor may prescribe specific eye drops that can minimize the burning you might usually experience during allergy season. The same small study mentioned above found that some coronavirus patients experience overly watery eyes (epiphora), but wasn't able to definitively conclude they are a symptom of coronavirus. In this article, we look at the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of burning eyes. The eyes may also appear puffy. Together, you can discuss ways to get relief and treat any underlying medical conditions. How to Protect Yourself (& Your Eyes) Against Coronavirus, Irritated eyes, if you develop conjunctivitis, Eyes that feel heavy from fatigue or irritated from headaches, Use alcohol-based disinfectants to clean surfaces around you, Use eye drops to reduce burning or irritation, Change your pillowcases and use fresh towels every day, If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses for awhile. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids caused by excess bacteria on the eyelashes or clogged oil glands in the eyelashes. Many COVID-19 eye symptoms resemble allergies and other common conditions. Remedies include: You cant always prevent burning eyes. It happens when the virus infects a tissue called conjunctiva, which covers. (https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/infographics/protect-yourself.html), (https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/blepharitis), (https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sjogrens-syndrome), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. government site. Learn the causes and treatment options. Case studies have reported rare cases of pink eye being the only symptom of COVID-19. All About Vision does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ask the Expert: How Covid-19 Affects the Eyes, Eye Care during COVID-19: MASKS, Vaccines and Procedures, Characteristics of Ocular Findings of Patients With Coronavirus DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) in Hubei Province, China, Signs and Symptoms of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis). doi:10.1016/j.cmi.2020.08.018. If your eyes sting or hurt, its a sign that they need some extra care. It typically affects children, teenagers, and young adults. Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) usually lasts about one to two weeks, however, if it occurs in conjunction with COVID-19, other symptoms may persist longer, depending on the severity of the infection. JAMA Ophthalmology. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019. Its thought that the virus may enter your eyes through this enzyme, which leads to eye symptoms. Careers. A trip to the eye doctor is the best way to get relief. The new coronavirus behind the pandemic causes a respiratory illness called COVID-19. Pink Eye May Be a Symptom of COVID-19 in Children, How to Wear a Face Mask Without Fogging Your Glasses, Don't Skip Preschool Vision Screens During COVID-19, Gene Therapy for Blindness May Hold Key to Coronavirus Vaccine, Facedown Treatment for COVID-19 Poses Risk of Vision Loss, What to Know If You Took Aralen and Plaquenil for COVID-19. Such symptoms tend to be more common in patients with severe COVID-19 cases. Eur J Ophthalmol. Allergies do not always just affect your nasal passages. The body responds to these substances by producing histamines, which can cause burning eyes. Although COVID-19 mainly occurs as a lower respiratory tract infection, there is multiorgan involvement in infected patients. SEE RELATED: 7 best sunscreens that won't burn your eyes. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Nasiri N, et al. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! October 2020. Check with your insurer to see if you can refill glaucoma drops and other essential prescriptions in advance. Experiencing eye pain without flu symptoms is unlikely to be a sign of COVID-19. Dandruff, rosacea, and oily skin can increase your chances of developing blepharitis, as can allergies that affect your eyelashes. The latest in prevention, diagnostics and treatment options for a wide spectrum of eye conditions - from the routine to the complex. People often refer to stinging or irritation of the eyes as burning eyes. These drugs are no longer recommended for the emergency treatment of COVID-19. But, then again, it can also occur due to a viral infection or fungal or bacterial growth within the nasal cavities. Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D. Eye discharge: What causes "sleep" in your eyes? Most commonly, additional symptoms would include coughing, fever, or headache. For fast relief consider these natural remedies at home: Rinse your eyelids with lukewarm water. Washin your hands before putting them in, or taking them out Disclaimer. American Academy of Ophthalmology: Coronavirus Eye Safety, Coronavirus and Your Eyes, Quick Home Remedies for Pink Eye., CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).. Are your eyes red, itchy, watery, or bloodshot? Such symptoms tend to be more common in patients with severe COVID-19 cases. doi: 10.1177/1120672120946287. Turn to the Academys collection of EyeSmart articles for the latest information about coronavirus and your eyes, advice for patients and tips for staying healthy at home. Grajewski RS, et al. COVID-19 treatment involves: Supplemental oxygen and anti-viral drugs such as remdesivir may be used in emergency cases. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. It usually occurs on the part of the eye nearest to the nose, although it can also appear on the outer portion of the eye. Is exercise more effective than medication for depression and anxiety? Explore our articles and topics. About 40% of the North American population is reported to have ocular allergies. Even a common cold or the flu can cause the eyes to burn. Summary A burning sensation in the nose may stem from inflammation or irritation brought about by an. The new coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, gets passed on primarily through droplets from a cough or a sneeze. Next, flush your eyes with a lubricating eye drop or artificial tear if you have either product handy. In some cases, COVID-negative patients actually had a higher rate of certain eye problems than those with the virus. Home remedies like eye drops or cool compresses can be soothing for allergies or everyday dryness. It happens when the virus infects a tissue called conjunctiva, which covers the white part of your eye or the inside of your eyelids. For example, conditions such as ocular rosacea, dry eyes and blepharitis can cause symptoms like burning eyes. Eye pain: Causes of pain in, around, or behind your eyes and treatment options, Eye infections: Causes, symptoms and treatment. Although some studies have encountered COVID-positive patients with eye problems, these are not necessarily directly linked to one another. If your burning eyes are accompanied by pain or excessive light sensitivity, or if you have any eye discharge, blurred vision, eye floaters or flashes of light, double vision or other unexpected symptoms, contact your eye doctor right away for immediate attention. The burning sensation can occur with or without other symptoms such as itching, eye pain, watery eyes or discharge. Many common household products can lead to burns, such as vinegar, bleach, or glass polish. Home remedies like eye drops or cool compresses can be soothing for allergies or everyday dryness. Cureus. Causes. This means that some reported eye problems may not be related to coronavirus at all. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? Antihistamines can also potentially reduce your allergy symptoms. You can think of this as a sunburn on the eyes. Learn about what causes these visual disturbances. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Here are some of the most common causes of burning eyes. COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 that typically causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and cough. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Characteristics of ocular findings of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hubei Province, China. Many people say they see stars when they are notice flashes of light in their field of vision. Antihistamines, cool compresses, changing contact lenses and taking a break from staring at screens may help resolve watery eyes, but see an eye doctor if the problem persists.