Don't Let Ultraviolet Hurt Your Eyes During SARS-CoV-2 Disinfection: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract Purpose: A retrospective observational study was carried on to investigate whether UV lamp will increase the risk of eye damage by comparing the exposure factors leading to ultraviolet keratitis (UVK) during the epidemic of COVID-19 and the control group in 2019.Methods: Data on UVK patients with clear exposure histories and typical symptoms were gathered. The date acquisition refers to the most crucial period in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic (24 January to 29 February in 2020, crucial period for short) in China, while the equivalent control 37- day period in 2019 refers to the period from 4 February to 12 March (control group for short). The detailed information of UVK cases were gathered through questionnaire survey, including injury photosources, ultraviolet applications, onset locations. Results: This retrospective observational study of 81 patients revealed that the number of UVK cases during crucial period 1 was threefold higher (n=61 patients) than control group (n=20 patients). All cases who recorded injury photosources were injury by UV lamps during crucial period, while by UV lamps (61.54%) or welding (38.46%) during control group. There were more than 70% of UVK cases injured at home by household UV lamps during crucial period, while were 15.38% during control group. They are significant differences in UVK photosource and exposure location between 2 groups (P<0.001).Conclusion: Household UV lamp users should be informed about possible UVK risk and of relevant preventive measures. Government and media should guide people use household disinfection items rationally and safely.