- A new study has found that people with severe COVID-19 are at risk for certain eye disorders.
- COVID-19 has been linked to cases of conjunctivitis, but this is the first time researchers have noticed bumps in the back of patients’ eyes.
- Experts believe that the virus infection can affect blood vessels, which can lead to nodules.
New research shows that patients with severe COVID-19 may be at risk for certain eye disorders, according to a study published today in the medical journal Radiology.
The study, initiated by the French Society of Neuroradiology, used MRI scans to detect significant abnormalities in the eyes of some people with severe COVID-19.
129 patients were looked at, all of whom underwent MRI of the brain. Of the 129 patients, 9 (7 percent) had abnormal MRI findings of the eyeball. Eight of these patients spent COVID-19 time in the ICU. The scans revealed one or more buttons on the back of the eye.
COVID-19 has been linked to cases of conjunctivitis, but this is the first time researchers have noticed serious disorders. In this case, the buttons are on the back of the patients’ eyes.
The theory of the researcher is that the nodules are related to inflammation caused by the virus and insufficient drainage of the veins around the eyes, because patients remain in the inclined position for a significant time.
Seven of the nine patients with nodules spent time in the light position in the ICU or were intubated.
Of the nine patients, many also had underlying conditions. Two had diabetes, six were obese and two had high blood pressure.
These conditions and staying in the ICU can all claim the health of the eye.
For those admitted to the hospital for COVID-19, being in bed can simply be a risk. Lying longer in the back can affect the drainage of these blood vessels.
Dr. Claudia FE Kirsch, division head, neuroradiology at Northwell Health in New York, said the infection can also cause reactions that can start to damage the eye.
“When you enter a virus into the bloodstream, blood vessels are blocked, causing an inflammatory reaction that can affect the eye’s circulation,” Kirsch explained.
As with other newly discovered potential side effects of COVID-19, the long-term risks are still being assessed. Because such a small sample group has been studied, more tests are needed to determine the long-term risks.
There may be many other patients with severe COVID-19 who have these nodules. Because the focus was on keeping their vitals in check while they were in the ICU, these patients were not subjected to these other precise tests.
‘When these patients come in, they are very ill. The goal is to keep them alive. In the ICU, we focus on just keeping them breathing, ”Kirsch said, explaining why these nodules may not have been caught before.
She also noted that bumps can form in other parts of the body, but doctors do not yet know they need to screen for it.
One reason to pay attention to the eyeballs is that it can potentially lead to blindness if left untreated.
“The first goal is to allow patients to breathe on their own and reduce the virus load,” Kirsch said. Prevention would be ideal so that patients do not contract the disease at all. Hand washing and all the basics are also important, but we are still learning what happens to the eye. ”
The study suggests that eye examination should be considered in all patients with severe COVID-19. Implements can include an MRI and a fundoscopy, which uses a magnifying glass and light to examine the back of the eye.
Doctors are still discovering and learning about this potential side effect. The virus mainly attacks the lungs, but it has previously been linked to abnormalities in the eye such as conjunctivitis.
Eye disorders remain largely unexplored with respect to COVID-19.
“We have not seen many COVID-19 complications from a point of view,” said Dr. Mark Fromer, ophthalmologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, said.
‘We’ve seen some conjunctivitis associated with COVID-19, but overall it cleared up on its own without intervention. “It is quite easy to check the back of the eye without an MRI,” he said. “What the study suggests makes sense. It’s an eye examination where the pupil is dilated and the macula can be examined with a magnifying glass.”