Ocular manifestations of recent viral pandemics: A literature review

Abstract

Viral pandemics often take the world by storm, urging the medical community to prioritize the most evident systemic manifestations, often causing ocular manifestations to go unnoticed. This literature review highlights the ocular complications of the Monkeypox, SARS-CoV-2, MERS, Ebola, H1N1, and Zika viruses as the most recent viral pandemics. Research into the effects of these pandemics began immediately. Moreover, it also discusses the ocular complications of the vaccines and treatments that were used in the scope of the viral pandemics. Additionally, this review discusses the role of the eye as an important route of viral transmission, and thereafter, the International recommendations to reduce the incidence of viral transmission were mentioned. Lastly, this paper wants to lay out a platform for researchers who want to learn more about how viruses show up in the eye.

Ophthalmic Manifestations of the Monkeypox Virus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…In mpox patients, the pooled prevalence of ophthalmic manifestations has been determined at 9%, globally. Previous analyses based on a smaller number of studies found that the prevalence of ocular lesions ranges from 0.09 to 5% [ 7 , 29 ]. Although this is lower compared to manifestations involving other systems, such as rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy, one in ten patients with mpox could have ophthalmic lesions.…”

“…Thus, ocular lesions may have a prognostic value in the outcomes of mpox. Corneal ulcerations, in combination with secondary bacterial infections, have been associated with severe ocular complications, including blindness [ 29 ]. Topical trifluridine, when administered together with tecovirimat for mpox patients with varying ophthalmic lesions, has improved the condition without complications [ 30 ].…”

Ocular Vascular Events following COVID-19 Vaccines: A Systematic Review

“…Although COVID-19 vaccination can be complicated by several ocular events such as abducens nerve palsy, acute macular neuro-retinopathy, and multiple evanescent white dot syndrome, vascular events remain the most serious group of complications that needs higher medical attention, due to their high association with vision loss and blindness [6]. Despite their rarity, ocular vascular events were indeed reported following COVID-19 vaccines.…”

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic and wearing face masks on ophthalmology practice: What is known so far? A narrative review

“…Wearing a mask helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 significantly as it covers two parts of the T-zone, namely, the nose and the mouth, while the eye area remains uncovered, which makes the person vulnerable to receiving or transmitting COVID-19. Moreover, different ocular manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye were noted ( 3 ). The virus was detected in tears and conjunctival samples, implicating the eye as a potential route for viral entry ( 4 , 5 ).…”

“…The virus was detected in tears and conjunctival samples, implicating the eye as a potential route for viral entry ( 4 , 5 ). Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) were two of the many vascular manifestations of COVID-19 ( 3 , 4 ). In this review, we assessed the effect of the strict regulations of wearing masks on the practices of different ophthalmic procedures, investigations, and treatments, along with the patient's eye health.…”