Experts from John Hopkins University School of Medicine have produced a report indicating that Covid-19 can gain entry into the human body through the eyes. This is because the eyes contain a protein used by the disease.
Covid-19 attaches itself into ACE-2 receptors in the eyes which are a ‘gateway’ into cells in the body.
The ACE-2 receptors are found in the lungs and the respiratory tract. This is where the Covid-19 gets into the cells according to scientists at the Johns Hopkins University. Since eyes produce ACE-2, they are also a target of the virus.
If droplets from sneezing by an infected person land on the eyes, the Covid-19 will start attacking the cells in the eyes. This explains why some patients of Covid-19 have suffered an inflation of the eyes – conjunctivitis.
The scientists also revealed that tears can also be a source of Covid-19. The research team was led by Lingli Zhou of the Dept of Ophthalmology at the University’s school of Medicine.
Ten (10) eyes of those who did not died of Covid-19 were analyzed for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).
