Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 21, 2024 3 weeks, 1 day, 6 hours, 52 minutes ago
Mpox News: In recent months, the world has focused on the rising cases of Mpox (monkeypox) infections, but an alarming aspect of this disease remains largely underreported: the risk of blindness. Regardless of the strain or clade of the Mpox virus, a significant percentage of those infected could face severe eye complications, leading to partial or complete vision loss.
Many could end up blind due to Mpox infections
Image - AI Generated By TMN
Thailand Medical News had previously covered a study that warned that mPox can cause vision loss.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/monkeypox-mpox-can-cause-a-variety-of-eye-issues-that-can-result-in-vision-loss
However, emerging data collated from past and recent studies are showing the threat from blindness cause by the Mpox virus irrespective of the clades or strains poses a very alarming concern.
The Stark Reality: A History of Blindness Due to Mpox
An eye-opening study conducted in Zaire during the 1980s first brought attention to the severe ocular complications of Mpox. The study found that between 5% to 10% of those infected with Mpox ended up blind. This was a shocking revelation at the time, highlighting the destructive potential of the virus beyond the more commonly known symptoms.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2491168/?page=4
Modern Studies Reveal Higher Risks with Newer Mpox Strains
Recent studies indicate that the risk of eye complications and subsequent blindness may be even higher with newer strains of the Mpox virus. In 2022, a study in the Democratic Republic of Congo found that ophthalmic manifestations of Mpox could be present in up to 40% of cases.
https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(22)00390-3/fulltext
These manifestations ranged from mild eyelid compromise to severe conditions such as corneal opacity and blindness. The study's findings underscore the growing concern that Mpox could be evolving into a more formidable threat to vision.
A newer study published in 2023 by a team of international researchers showed that ocular manifestations was far more prevalent in Mpox infections than reported.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S154201242200091X
Types of Ocular Manifestations
Mpox can cause a variety of eye-related complications, each posing different levels of risk to vision:
-Conjunctivitis: This is the most commonly observed ocular manifestation, occurring in about 20-30%
of Mpox cases. Conjunctivitis involves the inflammation of the conjunctiva, causing redness, discomfort, and discharge.
-Keratitis: Found in approximately 10% of Mpox cases, keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea. This condition can lead to significant pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. In severe cases, keratitis can progress to corneal ulcers, which may result in scarring and long-term vision impairment.
-Uveitis: This serious condition, seen in 5-10% of Mpox infections, involves inflammation of the uveal tract (iris, ciliary body, and choroid). Uveitis can cause eye pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity, and if left untreated, can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, or even complete vision loss.
-Retinitis: Though less common, retinitis involves the inflammation of the retina and can lead to severe outcomes, including retinal detachment. This condition requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent blindness.
-Optic Neuritis: This rare but serious condition affects the optic nerve, leading to sudden vision loss in one eye and pain during eye movements. Without prompt treatment, optic neuritis can result in permanent vision loss.
Eye infections are common in up to to 40% of all Mpox infections.
Image-AI-Generated by TMN
The Escalating Risk of Blindness
The incidence of ocular complications in Mpox infections is concerning, with many studies suggesting that 20-40% of patients may experience some form of eye involvement. Among these cases, the risk of blindness is particularly high in those suffering from severe keratitis, uveitis, or retinitis. These conditions can cause irreversible damage to the eye's structure, leading to vision loss if not treated early and effectively. Optic neuritis, although rare, remains a significant threat due to its direct impact on the optic nerve.
A number of case studies and
Mpox News report have already validated that Mpox infections can lead to vision loss or permanent blindness.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214250923000306
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(22)00869-6/fulltext
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2801308
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.28545
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7142e1.htm?s_cid=mm7142e1_w
https://journals.lww.com/corneajrnl/abstract/2023/06000/human_mpox__monkeypox__virus_membranous.16.aspx
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
Ocular manifestations in Mpox patients present a serious and often underappreciated threat to vision. The potential for these conditions to progress to blindness highlights the urgent need for early detection and treatment. Healthcare providers must remain vigilant for signs of eye involvement in Mpox patients and take immediate action to prevent severe outcomes. As the virus continues to evolve, so too must our understanding and response to its many dangers, including the very real risk of blindness.
Thailand Medical News will be proving more
Mpox News updates in coming days.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/insights-into-the-fight-against-mpox-and-smallpox-viruses-and-how-they-impact-our-immune-system
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/german-researchers-find-new-treatment-for-ophthalmic-mpox-infections
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-ivermectin-users-will-likely-suffer-severe-or-lethal-mpox-infection-due-to-diminished-interferon-gamma
