Retinal vasoocclusive spectrum following COVID-19

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 29, 2025

Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19
06:29

Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19

Published on: May 25, 2022

2.5K

Daraius Shroff1, Sandeep Kumar1, Anushree Naidu1

  • 1Retina and Vitreous, Shroff Eye Centre, New Delhi, India.

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can cause blood clots, leading to eye conditions like retinal artery or vein occlusion. This study links elevated D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients to these vision-threatening vaso-occlusive events.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hypercoagulability and thromboembolic complications.
  • Ocular manifestations of COVID-19, while uncommon, are increasingly reported.
  • Understanding the link between COVID-19 and retinal vascular events is crucial for patient management.

Observation:

  • A case series of four patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection presented with various retinal vascular occlusions.
  • These included central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).
  • One patient also experienced vitreous hemorrhage.

Findings:

  • All patients had proven COVID-19 and no other significant systemic comorbidities.
  • Elevated D-dimer levels were observed, indicating a prothrombotic state.
  • A correlation was noted between elevated D-dimer and retinal vaso-occlusive phenomena, leading to significant visual morbidity.

Implications:

  • COVID-19 may increase the risk of retinal vascular occlusive events.
  • Elevated D-dimer in COVID-19 patients could serve as a marker for potential ocular complications.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and guide preventative strategies for ocular complications in COVID-19.

Keywords:
Branch retinal vein occlusionCOVID-19central retinal artery occlusioncentral retinal vein occlusionvitreous hemorrhage

More Related Videos

In Vivo Vascular Injury Readouts in Mouse Retina to Promote Reproducibility07:35

In Vivo Vascular Injury Readouts in Mouse Retina to Promote Reproducibility

Published on: April 21, 2022

2.3K
Retinal Vascular Reactivity as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography07:23

Retinal Vascular Reactivity as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Published on: March 26, 2020

7.6K

Related Concept Videos

Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
927
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
720
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
849
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
6.6K