Ocular posterior segment complications of the COVID-19 vaccination

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Complications associated with COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be recognized despite their overall safety and efficacy. A recent report by researchers from the Department of Ophthalmology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, and MidAtlantic Retina, The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, describes the complications of the vaccination in the posterior ocular segment.

In this study,¹ led by Elham Sadeghi, MD, MPH, from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, the investigators highlight the diversity of possible complications and discuss the plausible involved pathophysiologic mechanisms.

“While vaccination has been shown to be remarkably effective in reducing the spread and associated morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 disease, there have been reports of complications to the posterior segment of the eye,” the authors commented.

The research team found that the most significant complications reported were retinal macro- or microvascular occlusions, uveitis, and central serous chorioretinopathy. While these complications are rare, they require prompt diagnosis and management to prevent serious visual morbidity, the authors advised.

In commenting on their results, the team said, “Our study highlights the need for ophthalmologists to be aware of possible complications related to COVID-19 vaccination and the importance of prompt diagnosis and management. The findings of this study may help ophthalmologists to better understand and manage these rare complications.”

Reference:

1. Sadeghi E, Mahmoudzadeh R, Garg SJ, Nowroozzadeh MH. Ocular posterior segment complications after COVID-19 vaccination. Int Ophthalmol. 2023; published online July 11; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-023-02795-y