Uveitis and Posterior Ophthalmic Manifestations Following the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccine

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To present four cases of posterior ophthalmic manifestations associated with a temporal relationship to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Methods

Retrospective case series with a review of clinical findings.

Results

Four patients presented with various posterior ophthalmic findings including uveitis, maculopathy, and optic neuropathy. Each of their clinical courses varied in terms of ophthalmic imaging and exam findings.

Conclusion

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has ushered in a new wave of challenges to healthcare, epidemiological endeavors, and widespread vaccination efforts. Novel vaccines have been developed for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including both mRNA and viral vector-based platforms. The ocular manifestations and side effects related to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is not well established or understood. There may be an association between vaccination and posterior ophthalmic manifestations.

KEYWORDS:

• Coronavirus
• COVID-19
• inflammation
• maculopathy
• mRNA
• optic neuropathy
• pandemic
• uveitis
• vaccination
• viral

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical statement

IRB approval was obtained by WCG (Number 2618575-44547747). The requirement for consent was waived by the Ethics Committee.

Summary statement

Case series of four patients with posterior ophthalmic manifestations following a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine discussing clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.