Mpox (Monkeypox) and the Eye: Ocular Manifestation, Diagnosis, Treatment and Vaccination

Abstract

At present, the world is at the tipping point of the outbreak of mpox. The World Health Organization has declared the current mpox outbreak a ‘public health emergency of international concern.’ Mpox has been shown to be associated with several ocular manifestations. Given the current state of the mpox outbreak, healthcare providers, particularly ophthalmologists, need to be aware of these ophthalmic symptoms and how to manage them. In this review, we highlight current knowledge on the ocular symptoms of mpox virus (MPXV) infections and how to detect them. In addition, we summarize the treatment strategies for these ocular manifestations of MPXV infections and outline the relationship between vaccination and the ocular symptoms of mpox.

Transmission dynamics, complications and mitigation strategies of the current mpox outbreak: A comprehensive review with bibliometric study

“…Usual maculopapular skin lesion of 2-5 mm diameter evolves over a 2-4 weeks course through papulae, vesicle and pustule stages. 40 A pitted scar is a typical long-term effect of the infection in a survivor. Clinical course of the lesions closely resembles that of typical smallpox lesions.…”

“…Conjunctivitis affected 20% patients with potential CNS exposure in a recent epidemic in the DRC. Periocular involvement like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, eyelid lesion, blepharitis and possible keratitis or like could cause corneal scarring resulting in irreversible vision loss (blindness) 40 . Poor prognosis leads to possible death in critical cases.…”

“…19% of the unvaccinated mpox patients had secondary bacterial skin or soft tissue infections. Usual maculopapular skin lesion of 2–5 mm diameter evolves over a 2–4 weeks course through papulae, vesicle and pustule stages 40 . A pitted scar is a typical long‐term effect of the infection in a survivor.…”

Monkeypox and the eye

“…Monkeypox was discovered in Denmark over six decades ago; however, the source of the disease remains unknown. The modes of transmission include respiratory droplets and direct contact with skin or mucous membranes [ 1 - 5 ] . The presence of the virus is confirmed by laboratory testing.…”

“…However, clinicians should make a provisional diagnosis before a laboratory diagnosis in suspected cases. Various strategies should be applied to reduce the risk of contracting the disease, such as strict hand hygiene, social distancing, mask-wearing, and surface disinfection [ 1 - 5 ] . These strategies are quite similar to those used in preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission.…”