OCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN THE POST-COVID-19 PERIOD: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE

Abstract

Ocular complications associated with COVID-19 have been progressively recognized as relevant manifestations in the post-infectious period, ranging from mild ocular surface alterations to potentially severe conditions with risk of visual impairment. The aim of this study was to critically review the recent literature on ocular complications following COVID-19 infection. A search was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases between 2020 and 2025, including systematic reviews, clinical and observational studies; only studies evaluating ocular manifestations in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection were included, totaling 25 publications. The results demonstrate that the most frequent complications involve the ocular surface, such as conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome, as well as more severe alterations, including optic neuritis, retinal vascular occlusions, and microangiopathy. An association was observed between the severity of systemic infection and the risk of more severe ocular manifestations. Systematic reviews suggest a possible relationship with inflammatory, immunological, and thrombotic mechanisms, with most complications presenting a self-limited course, although severe cases may occur. These findings reinforce the need for ophthalmological follow-up in post-COVID-19 patients, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management to prevent visual sequelae.