An analysis of the clinical profile of patients with uveitis following COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the clinical profile of patients presenting with uveitis following COVID-19 infection at a tertiary care eye hospital in South India. Methods: In this retrospective chart review, all consecutive cases presenting with an acute episode of intraocular inflammation and a history of COVID-19 infection diagnosed within the preceding 6 weeks, between March 2020 and September 2021, were included. Data retrieved and analyzed included age, sex, laterality of uveitis, and site of inflammation. The diagnosis was categorized based on the SUN working group classification criteria for uveitis. Details regarding clinical features, investigations, ophthalmic treatment given, response to treatment, ocular complications, and status at last visit were also accessed. Statistical analysis of demographical data was done using Microsoft Excel 2019. Results: Twenty-one eyes of 13 patients were included in this hospital-based retrospective observational study. The study included six male and seven female patients. The mean age was 38 ± 16.8 years. Eight patients had bilateral involvement. Seven patients were diagnosed with anterior uveitis, three with intermediate uveitis, one with posterior uveitis, and two with panuveitis. All patients responded well to treatment and were doing well at their last visit. Two patients had complications that necessitated surgical treatment, following which they recovered good visual outcomes. Conclusion: With prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, all the patients with uveitis post-COVID-19 infection recovered with good visual outcomes. Thus, ophthalmologists must be aware of the possible uveitic manifestations following even uneventful COVID-19 infection.

Bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and choroidal ischemia in a patient with COVID‐19 infection

“…Previous reports indicated ophthalmic presentations from conjunctivitis and anterior uveitis to retinitis and optic neuritis. 3 As shown in previous studies, there is an association between SARS-Cov-2 infection and hypercoagulability. The SARS-Cov-2 binds to the host cells by angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE)-2 receptor(R).…”

“…Previous reports indicated ophthalmic presentations from conjunctivitis and anterior uveitis to retinitis and optic neuritis. 3 …”

“… 1 Although the spectrum of ocular manifestations is not completely defined, several reports from anterior segment involvement such as conjunctival hyperemia, chemosis, increased secretions, anterior uveitis to retinitis, choroiditis, and optic neuropathy are available. 2 , 3 The SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may be asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic with mild‐to‐moderate presentation of disease, and some individuals may present severe to critical disease. Therefore, ophthalmologists may encounter asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic individuals who presented ophthalmic manifestation of COVID‐19 infection.…”

“…Although Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) was primarily found to affect the respiratory and gastrointestinal system, further studies revealed the multiorgan invasion of the virus 1 . Although the spectrum of ocular manifestations is not completely defined, several reports from anterior segment involvement such as conjunctival hyperemia, chemosis, increased secretions, anterior uveitis to retinitis, choroiditis, and optic neuropathy are available 2,3 . The SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may be asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic with mild‐to‐moderate presentation of disease, and some individuals may present severe to critical disease.…”

Bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and secondary angle-closure glaucoma in a patient with COVID-19 infection

“…Although Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was primarily found to affect the respiratory and gastrointestinal system further studies revealed the multiorgan organ invasion of the virus 1 . Although the spectrum of ocular manifestations is not completely defined several reports from anterior segment involvement such as conjunctival hyperemia, chemosis, increased secretions, anterior uveitis to retinitis, choroiditis, and optic neuropathy are available 2,3 . The SARS -CoV-2 infection may be asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic with mild to moderate presentation of disease and some individuals may present severe to critical disease.…”