Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025
06:29
Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19
Published on: May 25, 2022
2.4K
Bilateral interstitial keratitis following COVID-19: a case report
Nathalie Dalloul Daher1, Zeba A Syed2
1Cornea Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 840 Walnut Street, Suite 920, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
BMC Ophthalmology
|October 13, 2023
Summary
COVID-19 can affect the eyes, causing conditions like interstitial keratitis. Early recognition of these ocular symptoms is crucial to prevent severe vision loss from the virus.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily targets the respiratory system but can affect other organs.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, present in ocular structures, facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into eye tissues.
- Ocular manifestations of COVID-19 can precede, coincide with, or follow systemic infection.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male developed bilateral interstitial keratitis 7 days after COVID-19 symptom onset.
- No alternative etiology was identified, though Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus were considered.
- The patient experienced significant corneal scarring and visual impairment before topical steroid treatment.
Findings:
- The patient's final corrected visual acuity was 20/50 (right eye) and 20/80 (left eye) with rigid gas permeable contact lenses.
- Interstitial keratitis is a potential ocular complication of COVID-19.
Implications:
- Ocular involvement by SARS-CoV-2 can result in permanent vision impairment.
- Ophthalmologists and clinicians must be vigilant for ophthalmic signs of COVID-19.
- Prompt recognition and intervention for ocular manifestations are essential to mitigate severe visual loss.
