Post COVID-19 Ocular Manifestations

Abstract

After recovery from Corona Virus Disease 19 ocular manifestations can occur. The aim of the work assesses post COVID-19 ocular manifestations taking in consideration the age of patients as well as the severity of infection. The study included 150 eyes divided into: 1)100eyes of post COVID-19 patients,2)50 eyes of healthy control group. The post COVID-19 group was then divided as regard previous infection severity into mild, moderate, and severe. Patients underwent full ophthalmic examinations. visual field and macular thickness were estimated. Post COVID-19 infection patients were presented mostly with ocular pain and redness (P-value= 0.001). We reported an increasing incidence of conjunctivitis and sub-conjunctival hemorrhage in post COVID-19 infection (P-value=0.002). Punctate epithelial keratitis increased in post severe COVID-19 infection (P-value=0.004). Episcleritis & anterior uveitis were seen in post mild COVID-19 infection (2.9% P-value=0.0693 & 1.4% P-value=0.868). Cotton wool spots reported post severe COVID-19 infection (P-value=0.004). Tortuous blood vessels, branch retinal vein occlusion was reported in post mild COVID-19 infection (2.9% P-value=0.693 & 1.4% P-value=0.868). Facial nerve and third nerve palsy was discovered in post severe COVID-19 infection (6.3% P-value=0.088). No significant were found in macular & retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Moreover, visual field parameters' mean deviation (MD) & pattern standard deviation (PSD) showed no significant changes. Post COVID-19 infection could affect the eyes in the form of increasing infection, coagulation and other ocular manifestations. So, follow-up of recovered patients is mandatory.