Ebola virus disease and the eye

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic highlighted significant health challenges in survivors.
• Systemic and ocular complications are increasingly reported in individuals who recover from EVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the ophthalmic complications associated with Ebolavirus infection.
• To understand the spectrum of eye diseases in EVD survivors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ophthalmic complications in Ebola virus disease.
• Analysis of reported cases and clinical manifestations.

Main Results:

• EVD can lead to ocular manifestations during both acute infection and the convalescent phase.
• Acute EVD patients may present with conjunctivitis, subconjunctival hemorrhages, and vision loss.
• Uveitis is a common complication during recovery, with live virus implicated in one case.

Conclusions:

• Ophthalmic complications are a critical aspect of EVD survivorship, affecting functional status and economic well-being.
• Further research is essential to fully characterize and manage the spectrum of eye diseases in EVD survivors.
• Developing targeted studies and programs is crucial for this at-risk population.