BREAKING! Mild COVID Causes A Slow Progressing Eye Debilitating Condition That Most Are Not Even Aware Of Till It's Too Late!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 26, 2024 5 months, 4 weeks, 6 hours, 41 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: A recent study has uncovered a concerning link between mild COVID-19 and a slowly progressing eye condition that could lead to significant vision impairment. This condition, known as optic neuritis, is causing growing alarm as many affected individuals are unaware of their deteriorating vision until it's too late.
Mild COVID Causes A Slow Progressing Eye Debilitating Condition That
Most Are Not Even Aware Of.
What is Optic Neuritis?
Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause pain and temporary vision loss. In some cases, it can lead to permanent vision impairment if not promptly treated. The condition is typically associated with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis but is now increasingly linked to COVID-19.
The Study
Researchers at Beijing Tongren Hospital-China conducted a detailed study on the occurrence of optic neuritis in patients who had recovered from mild COVID-19. The findings of that study are covered in this
COVID-19 News report.
The study team focused on two specific types of antibodies found in these patients: myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibodies. These antibodies are markers of two forms of optic neuritis, MOG-ON and AQP4-ON, respectively.
Key Findings
The study revealed that patients with MOG-ON developed optic neuritis symptoms much sooner after a mild COVID-19 infection compared to those with AQP4-ON. On average, MOG-ON symptoms appeared about 6.87 weeks post-infection, whereas AQP4-ON symptoms took around 11.06 weeks to manifest.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Patients often reported visual disturbances such as blurry vision, loss of color vision, and pain with eye movement. Diagnosis of optic neuritis in these patients was confirmed through a combination of symptom reports, MRI scans, and blood tests for MOG and AQP4 antibodies.
Sadly, many of those having these symptoms takes them for something mild that might disappear over time without understanding the long-term consequences.
Why the Delay in Diagnosis?
One of the most troubling aspects of the study is the delay in diagnosis. Because the initial COVID-19 infection is mild and the onset of optic neuritis symptoms can be gradual, many individuals do not seek medical help until significant vision loss has occurred. This delay can lead to worse outcomes and highlights the need for increased awareness and monitoring of visual symptoms following COVID-19 recovery.
The Role of Comorbidities
The study also found that patients with MOG-ON who had comorbidities such as atherosclerotic vascular diseases were more likely to develop severe symptoms. This suggests that underlying health conditions could exacerbate the impact of optic neuritis following a COVID-19 infection.
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Treatment and Prognosis
Despite the potential for severe vision loss, the prognosis for MOG-ON patients is generally positive with appropriate treatment. Most patients responded well to high-dose corticosteroids, which are commonly used to reduce inflammation and restore vision. However, the treatment must be started promptly to be effective.
What Can You Do?
If you've had a mild case of COVID-19, it is crucial to monitor your vision closely. Be on the lookout for any changes such as blurriness, pain, or loss of color vision, and seek medical advice immediately if you notice these symptoms. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing permanent damage.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study underscores the importance of understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19, even in mild cases. Optic neuritis is a serious condition that can lead to significant vision loss if not detected and treated early. Increased awareness and prompt medical attention can make a significant difference in outcomes for those affected. As researchers continue to uncover the complexities of post-COVID conditions, staying informed and vigilant is more important than ever.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between COVID-19 and optic neuritis is a stark reminder of the virus's far-reaching impact on our health. While the world focuses on the immediate effects of the pandemic, it is crucial to consider and address these longer-term complications. For those recovering from COVID-19, particularly if you have underlying health conditions, maintaining regular check-ups and being attentive to any new symptoms can help mitigate these risks.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
As we continue to navigate the post-pandemic world, staying informed about potential health risks is essential. The findings from this study serve as a crucial reminder to not overlook any changes in our health, even after recovering from a seemingly mild illness. If you or a loved one experiences any symptoms of optic neuritis, seek medical advice promptly to ensure the best possible outcome.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Frontiers in Neurology.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2024.1416493/full
For the latest
COVID-19 News, keep in logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-s-hidden-impact-on-eyes-unveiling-rare-retinal-conditions
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/rising-incidences-of-mewds-amid-covid-19-infections-and-vaccinations
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