Vitreoretinal abnormalities in corona virus disease 2019 patients: What we know so far

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a global pandemic impacting multiple organ systems.
• Emerging evidence suggests ocular involvement in COVID-19 patients, including neuro-ophthalmic signs and anterior segment inflammation.
• A growing number of reports indicate new-onset vitreoretinal disorders associated with COVID-19 infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review and synthesize current evidence on vitreoretinal manifestations in patients with COVID-19.
• To provide an overview of the spectrum of posterior segment ocular pathologies associated with COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four major online databases.
• The review focused on studies reporting vitreoretinal disorders in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Main Results:

• Identified vitreoretinal complications include central retinal vein occlusion, central retinal artery occlusion, uveitis reactivation, chorioretinitis, macular hemorrhage, and acute macular neuroretinopathy.
• Other reported findings include paracentral acute middle maculopathy, vitritis with outer retinal abnormalities, and varicella zoster virus-related acute retinal necrosis in immunocompromised individuals.
• The review documented various posterior segment pathological changes associated with COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 can lead to a range of significant vitreoretinal disorders.
• Potential pathogenic mechanisms include direct viral invasion of ocular tissues and thromboembolic events resulting from the systemic hyperinflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2.
• This review serves as the first comprehensive overview of COVID-19-related vitreoretinal manifestations.