Ocular manifestations of vaccine-preventable diseases: A comprehensive review

Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) remain a significant contributor to global ocular morbidity, yet their ophthalmic manifestations are often underrecognized. This review synthesizes current evidence on viral and bacterial VPDs with ocular involvement, highlighting a spectrum of presentations-from conjunctivitis to keratitis, uveitis, and optic neuritis. Such infections may affect a range of ocular tissues through mechanisms including direct viral invasion, immune-mediated inflammation, and secondary complications. While the frequency and severity of ocular involvement vary among pathogens, the potential for permanent vision loss, particularly in unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals, underscores the clinical and public health importance of early recognition and prevention. Conditions such as congenital rubella syndrome, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and acute retinal necrosis illustrate the breadth of pathology, while emerging infections like COVID-19 and monkeypox further expand the spectrum. Vaccination remains the most effective strategy for mitigating both systemic and ophthalmic sequelae. Greater awareness of ocular manifestations can facilitate earlier diagnosis, enhance outbreak detection, and reinforce the critical role of immunization in preserving vision.