Bilateral Atypical Optic Neuritis following ChAdOx1_nCoV-19 Vaccination: A Putative Plausibility

In this case report, we describe the clinical features and treatment outcomes of bilateral optic neuritis developing after the administration of the first dose ChAdOx1_nCoV-19 (Covishield) vaccine in a previously healthy young immunocompetent male.

Case report.

A 35-year-old healthy male, presented with sudden decrease in vision which was progressive in nature. The symptoms developed two days following the first dose of the Covid ChAdOx1_nCoV-19 vaccine. A possible diagnosis of vaccine associated optic neuritis was based on the temporal association between the administration of vaccine and the development of ocular symptoms and ruling out other immune or infectious etiologies. The patient showed good response to pulse systemic steroids followed by a short course of oral steroids.

Bilateral optic nerve involvement with disc edema may represent a rare adverse event of covid 19 vaccine which responds well to a short course of steroids.