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Primed Mycobacterial Uveitis PMU as a Model for Post-Infectious Uveitis
Published on: December 17, 2021
COVID Vaccine-Associated Uveitis
Zohar Habot-Wilner1, Piergiorgio Neri2,3,4, Annabelle A Okada5
1Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Purpose:
Following the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, different vaccines were developed and approved by the main medical authorities under emergency protocol regulations. Although highly effective and well-tolerated in most patients, vaccines can uncommonly cause ocular adverse effects. In this article, the current evidence related to vaccine-associated uveitis is reviewed.
Methods:
A literature review of uveitis post various SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations.
Results:
Uveitis was reported following various forms of vaccinations but was more commonly seen following the Pfizer mRNA vaccine which is the most used vaccination worldwide. In western countries, the most common uveitis is mild anterior uveitis, developing within a week of first or subsequent vaccination with good resolution following appropriate topical steroid therapy in most cases. Posterior uveitis and particularly Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease was more prevalent in Asia. Uveitis may develop among known uveitis patients and those with other autoimmune diseases.
Conclusion:
Uveitis following Covid vaccinations is uncommon and has a good prognosis.
Insights
COVID-19 vaccination can rarely cause uveitis, an inflammation of the eye. While uncommon, this vaccine-associated uveitis typically resolves well with treatment, especially in Western countries.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic spurred rapid development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
- While generally safe and effective, some vaccines may rarely cause ocular adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 vaccine-associated uveitis is rare.
- The overall prognosis for vaccine-associated uveitis is generally good.
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