Post-COVID-19 vaccine uveitis: A case series.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines necessitates understanding potential adverse events, including underreported ocular complications.
• While vaccine-associated uveitis has been documented with other vaccines, data on mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna) remains scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document and analyze cases of uveitis following administration of Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
• To contribute to the understanding of potential ocular side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination.

Main Methods:

• A case series approach was employed, including patients presenting with ocular symptoms indicative of uveitis within 14 days post-vaccination.
• Data collected included vaccine type (Pfizer or Moderna), dose number, onset of symptoms, and clinical diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Eight patients (mean age 44.4 years) developed uveitis after Pfizer (6) or Moderna (2) vaccination.
• Ocular symptoms appeared a mean of 5.19 days post-vaccination.
• Diagnoses included anterior granulomatous and non-granulomatous uveitis, affecting one or both eyes.

Conclusions:

• This case series suggests a temporal association between mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and the onset of uveitis.
• Further research into the pathogenesis of vaccine-induced uveitis is warranted.
• Physicians should be vigilant for ocular presentations in patients post-COVID-19 vaccination to ensure timely and effective management.