A new study suggests that Covid-19 can cause eye damage in critically ill patients.
For the study, published in the journal Radiology, the researchers reviewed the MRI scan of 129 patients who had severe Covid-19 in France between March 4 and May 1.
Advanced imaging studies showed that nine of 129 (7%) patients had one or more irregularities in the back of the eyes. Irregularities can indicate possible damage or blockage of blood vessels, minor bleeding in the eye or rupture of nerve fibers.
All but one affected patient had damage to both eyes.
But, due to the lack of “systematic eye examination” of patients in the ICU, the researchers were limited by data and unable to correlate their radiographic findings with changes in vision.
The researchers believe that these findings may be caused by the generalized clotting of blood in small vessels and the interruption of an enzyme that protects the eye from damage. They also suggest that the finding may be related to the increase in pressure in the eyes caused by the downward positioning of ICU patients (prone position) when on mechanical ventilation.
More research is needed to determine exactly what is causing damage to the eye in these critically ill patients and how that damage changes over time, the researchers said.
But the current study suggests that doctors should consider screening patients with severe Covid-19 for eye problems.
“Our data supports the need for screening and monitoring of patients to provide adequate treatment and improve the management of potentially serious ophthalmic manifestations,” said the authors.