Ophthalmic manifestations in the COVID-19 clinical spectrum

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and various types of ophthalmic manifestation of patients with COVID-19. Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted on patients with SARS-Co-V-2 infection, at a dedicated tertiary COVID-19 hospital in South India from April 1 to July 31, 2020. At the time of their admission to the COVID hospital, demographic data such as name, age, sex was recorded. A thorough history regarding the onset, duration, progression, nature of symptoms and its associated factors, medication history, treatment history were elicited and documented. Ocular examination was performed under torchlight by an ophthalmologist posted for COVID duty. Further investigations including imaging were sought for, depending on clinical indications. Serial follow-up examinations of all patients were carried out every 72 hours or when patients complained of any ocular symptoms whichever earlier, until discharge. All relevant data were compiled and statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 2742 patients were examined. Of them, 1461 (53.28%) were males and 1281 (46.72%) were females. The mean age (±SD) was 39.46 ± 17.63 years. None of the patients in our study had any ocular symptoms or signs as the presenting complaint at the time of their admission. On subsequent follow-up, only 20 (0.72%) developed ocular manifestations, of which 19 (95%) had features suggestive of Bilateral viral conjunctivitis. However, 1 (5%) patient had orbital cellulitis secondary to pansinusitis. Conclusion: Ophthalmic manifestations in the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 infection are uncommon and unlikely to be the presenting clinical impression. However, it has broadened our view to a wider spectrum of COVID-19 presentations enhancing our clinical acumen for staunch detection of COVID-19 suspects in our daily practice, augmenting early diagnosis and management and also break the chain of transmission for the greater good of humanity.

Ocular manifestations of COVID-19

“…According to several studies, ocular symptoms are uncommon and unlikely to represent the presenting clinical impression in COVID-19 infection. 19 Furthermore, no epiphora, no secretion, or decreased vision has been reported. 20 Other studies concluded no eye problem reports in Thailand that could be related to the severity of the disease and low sample size.…”

Ocular Morbidity among Patients Visiting the Department of Ophthalmology during the Coronavirus Disease 2021 Pandemic at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

“…The reported prevalence of ocular manifestations of COVID-19 infection from various studies is 2-32%, in our study the ocular manifestations and morbidity due to COVID-19 infected subjects was 15.8%, this finding from our study was comparable with existing literature. [17][18][19][20][21][22] In the current study, a relatively rare condition like pseudotumor cerebri was seen in three of the study participants. This was comparable to the findings from a study done by Noro F, et al who explained and reported pseudotumor cerebri post COVID-19 infection as a persistent cause of headache.…”

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography assessment of retinal and choroidal changes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a case-control study

“…The most common and easily identifiable ocular manifestations of the SARS-CoV-2 have been reported in the ocular surface (e.g. conjunctival hyperemia, chemosis, and epiphora) [ 4 – 10 ].…”