As early as mid-April, cases surfaced at a Chennai hospital Ophthalmologists at private hospitals have been noticing that some people who come in with complaints of conjunctivitis develop COVID-19. They say it is likely to be the earliest sign of the novel coronavirus infection, which could often be missed. During the second wave of COVID-19, ophthalmologists found out that conjunctivitis could be the first sign of COVID-19, said Mohan Rajan, chairman and medical director of Rajan Eye Care Hospital. “Conjunctivitis spreads through contact. COVID-19 infection has also been found to spread through contact,” he explained. Five tested positive As early as mid-April, cases surfaced at the hospital. Of the 10 patients screened for conjunctivitis, five tested positive for COVID-19. They had no symptoms such as fever, cough or cold. “What we see is the tip of the iceberg. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by adenovirus. It spreads through contact and very easily in closed spaces and air-conditioned rooms. The adenoviral infection is self-limiting and not a threat to sight or life,” he said.