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Cataracts in setting of multisystem inflammation after COVID-19 vaccination
Diana H Kim1,2, David Hsu2, Yafeng Li1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, 51 N. 39th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
Purpose:
To describe a unique case of bilateral cataract formation in the setting of multisystem inflammation after the 1st dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
Observations:
A previously healthy 20-year-old male developed intumescent bilateral cataracts leading to visual decline from 20/20 to 20/300-20/400 in each eye, likely from systemic inflammation after vaccination.
Conclusion And Importance:
This is the first reported case of cataract formation following a COVID-19 vaccine. While ocular adverse effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination are rare, it is important to raise awareness of these entities amongst medical providers as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and vaccinations become widespread.
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