"Retinal microvascular abnormalities and impaired blood flow appear to be emerging as signature ocular manifestations of COVID-19 infections, researchers have found..."
Ocular manifestations of COVID-19 in the pediatric age group
“Episcleritis, conjunctivitis, optic neuritis, cranial nerve palsies, retinal vein occlusion, retinal vasculitis, retinal changes, orbital myositis, orbital cellulitis were reported in the literature with this emerging viral illness.”
In the Eye of the Storm: How Covid-19 Impacts the Eye
“It’s possible retinal injury is a consequence of vascular dysfunction around the eye related to the infection of epithelial cells lining blood vessels…Infected retinal ganglion cells may activate inflammatory signal pathways that damage nearby cells.”
Retinal tissue and microvasculature loss in COVID-19 infection
Retinal tissue & microvasculature loss in COVID19 infection: Retinal volume was signif⬇️in outer 3 mm of macula in severe COVID19 group (p = 0.02). Total retinal vessel density was signif⬇️in severe COVID-19 vs normal/ mild COVID19 (p = 0.004 & 0.0057).
"Ophthalmologists should have a high index of suspicion for retinal vascular occlusions in patients presenting with decreased vision or blurry vision with a history of COVID-19 infection as prompt intervention may prevent irreversible visual loss:"