Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, it has produced a very wide range of symptoms. Some people develop mild symptoms, others moderate and there are those who suffer very severe symptoms. Even today, doctors are still learning about how COVID affects various parts of the body, including the eyes. One thing is clear though – the virus causes inflammation throughout the body, which in turn can cause blood clots that may travel to various areas of the body and even reach the eye.
Experts suggest some people with COVID develop eye problems, ranging from mild to severe. Majority of the eye problems caused by the coronavirus affect the retina — a layer of cells at the back of the eye that senses light.
Here are the most common eye problems associated with COVID infection:
1. “Cotton wool” spots
When the retina does not get the nutrients it needs due to a blood clot blocking it, the tissues can wither and die. When this happens the area becomes white and fluffy like cotton wool, though it is only visible during eye examination. Normally the spots do not cause vision problems.
2. Eye stroke
Blood clots present in the arteries of the retina prevents the flow of oxygen, causing cell death. This occurrence is known as retinal artery occlusion more commonly referred to as eye stroke. It is characterized by sudden vision loss.
3. Retinal vein occlusion
Blood clots in the vein in the retina prevents blood from passing through and the buildup increases the pressure inside the eye causing swelling, bleeding, and leakage of fluids. People with retinal vein occlusion develop blurry vision and rarely, sudden permanent blindness.
4. Retinal hemorrhage
When blood vessels in the retina burst and cause bleeding, it can lead to sudden or gradual loss of vision.
Who is at Risk of Eye Complications from Covid?
The good news is, very few will experience severe eye-related complications when infected with covid. But certain people are at risk, such as those suffering from:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Blood disorders
- Conditions affecting the blood vessels
If you develop COVID symptoms and notice vision changes, it’s highly recommended that you schedule an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible. You may request for a Target Eye Exam so that they can perform a comprehensive evaluation of your eyes and determine the right treatment.
Covid-19 Linked Eye Abnormalities
A recent study from researchers in France show the need for eye screening for patients who had or are suffering from severe Covid. One ophthalmologist in the U.S. Dr. Mark Fromer who is unconnected to the study also contends that nodules appeared in the macula, which is the area in the retina that is responsible for our central vision.
While the coronavirus primarily affects the lungs, it has been found to be linked to an increased risk for conjunctivitis (pink eye) and retinopathy.
Retinopathy is an eye disease that can result in loss of vision. During MRI exams of COVID-19 patients, there have been results of eye abnormalities. The French Society of Neuroradiology studied 129 severe covid patients’ brain MRI results and found that about 7% (9 patients) of them had one or more nodules in the macular region (back part of the eyeball), while 8 had nodules in both eyes. The researchers are advocating for the screening of all patients with severe Covid-19 for potential eye problems because oftentimes they are treated for more severe and life-threatening symptoms/conditions that possible severe eye problems can be easily missed out.