Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
05:46

Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography

Published on: December 2, 2022

1.8K

Rapid Progression of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy following Third BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination

Hirofumi Sasajima1, Masahiro Zako2, Rio Maeda1

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Shinseikai Toyama Hospital, Imizu, Japan.

Case Reports in Ophthalmology
|August 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of rapid polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) progression occurred after the third Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine dose. This case highlights a potential, though infrequent, association between mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and PCV worsening.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
  • The Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine is widely used for COVID-19 prevention.

Observation:

  • A 79-year-old male experienced blurred vision 16 hours after his third BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine dose.
  • Clinical examination revealed massive submacular hemorrhage (SMH) and subretinal fluid (SRF) due to PCV in the left eye.
  • The patient had a history of diabetes, cataracts, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and previous treatment for diabetic macular edema.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent intravitreal bevacizumab injection, vitrectomy, and subretinal tissue plasminogen activator injection.
  • Post-surgery, the SMH and SRF showed significant reduction within 13 days.
  • This case suggests a possible, albeit rare, link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and PCV exacerbation.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should be aware of potential rare ocular complications following mRNA vaccinations.
  • Further research is needed to investigate the potential association between COVID-19 vaccines and PCV progression.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for patients presenting with vision changes post-vaccination.
Keywords:
Adverse effectsCoronavirus disease 2019Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccinePolypoidal choroidal vasculopathymRNA vaccine

More Related Videos

Electroporation-Based Genetic Modification of Primary Human Pigment Epithelial Cells Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System07:04

Electroporation-Based Genetic Modification of Primary Human Pigment Epithelial Cells Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System

Published on: February 4, 2021

2.1K
Intravitreal Injections in the Ovine Eye03:37

Intravitreal Injections in the Ovine Eye

Published on: July 5, 2022

3.4K

Related Concept Videos

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...
534
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...
632