Coronavirus in the Retina of Patients Victims of COVID 19

Abstract

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can affect various organs in the human body. Although the lung is the main target of infection, recent evidence suggests that the retina can also be affected. This article presents a review of the literature on retinal manifestations of COVID-19, correlation between disease severity and retinal changes, impact of systemic inflammation on the retina, evidence of direct virus infection in the retina, ocular complications in patients recovered from COVID-19 -19 and implications for ophthalmic monitoring in patients with COVID-19. Retinal manifestations of COVID-19 include microangiopathy, hemorrhage, macular edema, and blood vessel occlusion. Studies indicate that the severity of COVID-19 may be associated with an increase in the severity of retinal changes. Systemic inflammation, which is a key feature of COVID-19, can also have a negative impact on the retina, increasing the risk of retinal changes. There is limited evidence of direct infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the retina. However, the presence of the virus in tear samples suggests that the eye could be a possible portal of entry for the virus. Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 may also experience ocular complications such as conjunctivitis, although the incidence is low. The review results indicate that ophthalmological monitoring in patients with COVID-19 may be important to detect possible retinal changes and ocular complications, especially in patients with severe forms of the disease. Furthermore, it is important to continue investigating the retinal manifestations of COVID-19 for a better understanding of the disease's effects on the entire human body.