Optic nerve head alterations after COVID-19: an optical coherence tomography angiography-based longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Biology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic with potential long-term health implications.
• The optic nerve head (ONH) is a critical structure for vision, containing a dense capillary network susceptible to vascular changes.
• Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) allows for non-invasive assessment of retinal and optic nerve head microvasculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate longitudinal changes in peripapillary vessel density (VD) after mild COVID-19 infection.
• To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the microvasculature of the optic nerve head using OCTA.

Main Methods:

• Prospective longitudinal observational study of healthy individuals with confirmed mild COVID-19.
• Optic nerve head (ONH) imaging performed using Optovue RTVue XR Avanti OCTA.
• Assessment of vessel density (VD) in the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) network at 1 and 3 months post-recovery.

Main Results:

• No significant changes were observed in overall ONH parameters.
• A significant trend of increased small vessel VD in the RPC was noted, particularly in specific peripapillary regions.
• Significant alterations in all vessel VD within the RPC were found, with decreases inside the disc and increases in an inferior region.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 infection can affect the vessel density of the radial peripapillary capillary network in the optic nerve head.
• These findings highlight the potential for COVID-19 to impact ONH vasculature, warranting consideration in clinical evaluations.