• News Archive
  • Simaster
  • Webmail
  • Directory
  • Crisis Center
  •  English
    • Indonesia
Universitas Gadjah Mada Universitas Gadjah Mada Universitas Gadjah Mada Universitas Gadjah Mada
  • Education
    • Doctoral dissertation
    • Inauguration of Professor
    • Graduation
  • Achievement
  • Research and Innovation
    • Research
    • Innovation
  • Campus Info
    • Cooperation
    • Seminar and Workshop
    • Student Community Service Program
    • Other
  • News Report
  • Home
  • News Report
  • UGM Expert: Covid-19 is Uncommonly Transmitted through Eyes to Eyes

UGM Expert: Covid-19 is Uncommonly Transmitted through Eyes to Eyes

  • 17 December 2020, 15:57 WIB
  • By: Natasa Adelayanti
  • 1939
Pakar UGM: Covid-19 Jarang Menular Lewat Mata
Pakar UGM: Covid-19 Jarang Menular Lewat Mata
Pakar UGM: Covid-19 Jarang Menular Lewat Mata
Pakar UGM: Covid-19 Jarang Menular Lewat Mata
Pakar UGM: Covid-19 Jarang Menular Lewat Mata
Pakar UGM: Covid-19 Jarang Menular Lewat Mata

It is commonly known that saliva splashes or droplets from the nose and the mouth can most likely infect one individual to others from the SARS Cov-2 virus that causes Covid-19. Then, can someone get infected with the coronavirus through the eye?

Prof. dr. Suhardjo, SU., Sp.M (K)., as the Professor of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM FKKMK), revealed that there were only little cases of conjunctivitis or red eyes in individuals infected with Covid-19. Even so, there is a low possibility that people can be infected with Covid-19 through tears.

"Tears indeed can be a medium of transmission, but it only has a slight possibility because, in eyes, there are no proper receptors for the Covid-19 virus," he explained on Wednesday (16/12).

He added that the highest possible transmission of the coronavirus has occurred through the mouth or nose. In fact, there is mucosal tissue in that area that can be a gate point for viruses. As is known, the oral and nasal cavities have ACE-2 and CD 147 receptors. At the same time, there is also the TMPRSS2 enzyme as the attachment for the Covid-19 virus.

"The receptors are analogically like houses. In the oral cavity and nasal passages, there are indeed suitable receptors for Covid-19," he said.

Meanwhile, based on the literature study published in the Journal of Medical Sciences in July 2020, it was found that only a few Covid-19 patients had conjunctivitis/red eyes. This study found that only 0.8 percent of Covid-19 patients showed symptoms of red eyes.

"Accordingly, only 8 out of 1,000 people had red eyes symptoms in Covid-19 patients, and this number has a 3,8 percent lower than diarrhea symptoms," he said.

To prevent the coronavirus from transmitting through the eyes, Suhardjo suggested the public not touch or rub their eyes with their hands too often. This behavior can prevent us from coronavirus transmission, prevent irritation and infection of other viruses and bacteria in the eyes.

Author: Ika
Photo: Shutterstock.com and private dock
Translator: Natasa A

Related News

  • How to Maintain Eyes Health Care during Pandemic Era

    Tuesday,20 October 2020 - 12:38
  • Exposed to Volcanic Ash, Many Merapi IDPs Suffer Eye Irritation

    Wednesday,03 November 2010 - 10:26
  • UGM Expert Reveals Reasons Why Elderly Parents Are Susceptible to Covid-19 Transmission

    Tuesday,21 April 2020 - 18:28
  • UGM Zoonosis Expert: Brucellosis Won't Transmit from Person to Person

    Thursday,24 September 2020 - 19:36
  • UGM Epidemiologist: Cinema Opening Must Be Guided with the Strict Health Protocol

    Tuesday,14 July 2020 - 12:04

News Releases

  • 18,964 UGM Students Receive Scholarships, Director of Student Affairs Says 20 January 2023
    Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) annually allocates hundreds
    Salma
  • Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono Recounts Origin of His Apple Melon Cultivar 'Hikapel' 16 January 2023
    In 2012, a team of researchers from the UGM Facult
    Salma
  • UGM Graduate Fajar Kelana Named Top 20 International James Dyson Award Winner 13 January 2023
    Fajar Sidik Abdullah Kelana, an alumnus of UGM and
    Salma
  • Chemical Eng. Students Win International Youth Ideas Competition 05 January 2023
    UGM Chemical Engineering students Andhirta Rukmarata Chani
    Salma
  • UGM Secures IDR 67 Billion From 2022 Kedaireka Matching Fund, Most Among Other Universities 30 December 2022
    Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has topped the list of unive
    Salma

Event

No latest event at this time

Universitas Gadjah Mada
UNIVERSITAS GADJAH MADA
Bulaksumur Yogyakarta 55281
   info@ugm.ac.id
   +62 (274) 588688
   +62 (274) 565223
   +62 811 2869 988

PARTNERSHIP

  • Alumni
  • International Affairs

ABOUT UGM

  • Rector's Welcome
  • History
  • Vission and Mission
  • The Board of Executive
  • Management

VISIT UGM

  • Campus Map
  • Event

REGISTRATION

  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate
  • Vocational School
  • Professional Program
  • International Program

© 2023 Universitas Gadjah Mada

PRIVACY POLICYCONTACT