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Relationship Between COVID-19 and Retinal Vein Occlusions
Tetsuya Muto1,2,3, Shigeki Machida1, Shinichiro Imaizumi2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan.
Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 8, 2025
Summary
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection may increase the risk of retinal vein occlusions (RVOs). Ophthalmologists should consider COVID-19 as a cause of acute vision loss and RVOs.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) are a significant cause of vision loss.
- The association between COVID-19 and RVOs is not fully understood.
- COVID-19 infection is linked to endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between COVID-19 and retinal vein occlusions.
- To understand the potential mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 infection to RVOs.
- To emphasize the importance of considering COVID-19 in patients with acute vision loss.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on COVID-19 and RVOs.
- Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms of RVOs in the context of COVID-19.
- Discussion of clinical implications for ophthalmologists.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 infection can lead to endothelial dysfunction and elevated von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels.
- These changes promote coagulation and platelet aggregation, increasing thrombosis risk.
- Venous compression at arterial-venous crossings in the retina can exacerbate clot formation.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 is a potential etiological factor for retinal vein occlusions.
- Elevated VWF levels in COVID-19 patients contribute to thrombosis risk.
- Ophthalmologists should consider COVID-19 in patients presenting with acute vision loss and RVOs.
Keywords:
branch retinal vein occlusioncentral retinal vein occlusioncoronavirus disease 2019severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2More Related Videos
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