Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 01, 2024 2 days, 1 hour, 26 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: The Unexpected Impact of COVID-19 on Vision
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide, causing a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While much attention has been given to respiratory issues and the virus's impact on the lungs, recent studies by medica researchers and doctors from Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University-USA, University of Nebraska Medical Center-USA, Emory University, Atlanta-USA, Georgia Eye Institute, Savannah-USA and the University of California San Francisco-USA that are covered in this
COVID-19 News report, have revealed another alarming consequence: vision loss.
American Doctors Warn That COVID-19 Can Cause Vision Loss
Image - AI Generated
Doctors are now warning that COVID-19 can lead to serious eye problems, including vision loss, even in patients who recover from the initial infection. The vision loss may not just occur during the acute state of infection but rather most commonly occur weeks, months or even years after so called COVID-19 recovery!
Understanding the Connection Between COVID-19 and Vision Loss
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, primarily affects the respiratory system. However, it has been linked to a range of other complications, including cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, and neurological problems. Now, researchers are discovering that the virus can also affect the eyes, leading to conditions such as retinal vascular occlusion, ocular ischemia, and intraretinal hemorrhage.
Retinal Vascular Occlusion and Ocular Ischemia
Retinal vascular occlusion occurs when blood flow to the retina is blocked, leading to damage and potential vision loss. Ocular ischemia is a condition where there is insufficient blood flow to the eye, causing tissue damage. Both conditions are serious and require immediate medical attention.
In a recent report, two middle-aged women were hospitalized with severe COVID-19-induced pneumonia. After prolonged stays in the intensive care unit (ICU), both patients experienced significant vision loss. Detailed eye examinations revealed multiple blot hemorrhages, retinal hemorrhage, macular edema, and retinal vascular tortuosity.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples
-Case 1: A 44-Year-Old Woman
A 44-year-old woman with a history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy was admitted to the hospital with a worsening cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. She tested positive for COVID-19 and developed acute hypoxic respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilation for 16 days. After extubation and recovery, she reported a significant loss of vision in her left eye.
Eye examinations revealed that she could only perceive light in her left eye and had severely reduced
vision in her right eye. Further tests showed optic disc pallor, macular exudates, and widespread retinal hemorrhages. The diagnosis was bilateral ophthalmic artery occlusion, leading to a recommendation for close monitoring and a low vision evaluation.
-Case 2: A 69-Year-Old Woman
A 69-year-old woman with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and a history of breast cancer was also hospitalized with severe COVID-19. She required prolonged intubation and experienced delirium during her ICU stay. Upon recovery, she reported decreased vision in both eyes.
Her eye exams showed significant retinal hemorrhages, cotton wool spots (small areas of retinal ischemia), and macular edema. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral central retinal vein occlusion and was advised to be closely monitored for potential retinal complications. Fortunately, her vision improved over time without the need for invasive treatments.
The Broader Implications
These cases highlight the potential for severe ocular complications associated with COVID-19. While such cases are relatively rare, they underscore the importance of monitoring and evaluating vision in patients recovering from severe COVID-19. The inflammation and coagulation abnormalities caused by the virus can lead to significant eye damage, making early detection and treatment crucial.
Inflammatory and Coagulation Issues
The link between COVID-19 and vision loss is believed to be related to the virus's impact on the body's blood vessels and inflammatory responses. COVID-19 can cause widespread inflammation and abnormal blood clotting, leading to microvascular complications. In the eyes, this can manifest as retinal vascular occlusion and ischemia, causing damage to the delicate retinal tissue.
What Can Be Done?
Early Detection and Treatment
For patients who have recovered from severe COVID-19, especially those who experienced prolonged ICU stays, it is essential to undergo comprehensive eye examinations. Detecting any signs of retinal damage early can help prevent further deterioration and potentially restore some level of vision.
Public Awareness
Raising awareness about the potential for vision loss associated with COVID-19 is crucial. Patients and healthcare providers should be informed about the symptoms of ocular complications, such as sudden vision changes, floaters, or pain in the eyes. Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Conclusion
COVID-19 continues to surprise and challenge the medical community with its wide range of complications. Vision loss is one of the more unexpected and concerning consequences of the virus. By understanding the risks and promoting early detection and treatment, we can help protect the vision of those affected by this devastating disease.
Doctors and researchers will continue to study the impact of COVID-19 on the eyes and other organs to develop better strategies for prevention and treatment. In the meantime, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the diverse effects of this unprecedented pandemic.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: COVID.
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8112/4/7/61
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-mild-covid-causes-a-slow-progressing-eye-debilitating-condition-that-most-are-not-even-aware-of-till-it-s-too-late
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-covid-19-news-sars-cov-2-induced-retinal-microvascular-damage-is-not-reversible-many-will-eventually-become-blind
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-sars-cov-2-also-causes-acute-macular-neuroretinopathy-but-many-are-unaware-their-eyes-are-affected
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