Update on coronavirus disease 2019: Ophthalmic Manifestations and Adverse Reactions to Vaccination

Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila). 2023 Nov-Dec;12(6):512-536. doi: 10.1097/APO.0000000000000647. Epub 2023 Nov 22.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was one of the most devastating public health issues in recent decades. The ophthalmology community is as concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic as the global public health community is, as COVID-19 was recognized to affect multiple organs in the human body, including the eyes, early in the course of the outbreak. Ophthalmic manifestations of COVID-19 are highly variable and could range from mild ocular surface abnormalities to potentially sight and life-threatening orbital and neuro-ophthalmic diseases. Furthermore, ophthalmic manifestations may also be the presenting or the only findings in COVID-19 infections. Meanwhile, global vaccination campaigns to attain herd immunity in different populations are the major strategy to mitigate the pandemic. As novel vaccinations against COVID-19 emerged, so were reports on adverse ophthalmic reactions potentially related to such. As the world enters a post-pandemic state where COVID-19 continues to exist and evolve as an endemic globally, the ophthalmology community ought to be aware of and keep abreast of the latest knowledge of ophthalmic associations with COVID-19 and its vaccinations. This review is a summary of the latest literature on the ophthalmic manifestations of COVID-19 and the adverse ophthalmic reactions related to its vaccinations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Eye Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Eye Diseases* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination / adverse effects