Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 14, 2025 7 hours, 14 minutes ago
Medical News: How COVID and Its Vaccines Affect Eye Health
A comprehensive review by researchers from the Ophthalmologic Center and Radiology Department at the Second Hospital of Jilin University in China has highlighted various ways COVID-19 infection and vaccines can lead to eye problems. These issues, referred to as ocular lesions, range from mild and temporary symptoms to more serious eye disorders. This
Medical News report unpacks their findings, offering critical insights into how the virus and its vaccines impact different parts of the eye.
COVID-19 and its vaccines can cause temporary or serious ocular lesions like conjunctivitis, uveitis, or retinal issues
The researchers conducted a systematic review of more than 6,500 medical papers, narrowing their focus to 66 high-quality studies. They examined both direct viral effects and immune-related mechanisms. While most COVID-19-related eye issues are reversible, some can indicate a more severe systemic infection or even lead to vision impairment in rare cases.
Conjunctivitis and Dry Eyes Among Common Symptoms
One of the most reported ocular lesions caused by COVID-19 is conjunctivitis—a condition that can make the eyes red, watery, itchy, and uncomfortable. In some cases, it is the very first sign of infection. The review found that dry eyes, itching, tearing, and foreign body sensations were also frequently reported.
Importantly, conjunctivitis linked to COVID-19 is usually self-limiting, meaning it clears up without treatment. However, when it appears after pneumonia, it may signal a more serious illness. Some eye tissues express ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors, which are entry points for the virus, making direct infection of the eye possible.
Uveitis and Retinal Issues Also Observed
COVID-19 has also been associated with uveitis, an inflammation inside the eye. While rare, it can either emerge anew or cause flare-ups in people with a history of the condition. Researchers noted that patients on immunosuppressive drugs like corticosteroids were more vulnerable. Infected individuals are advised to reduce or stop these medications temporarily.
COVID-19-related retinopathy, or damage to the retina, was another key focus. Patients exhibited retinal hemorrhages, vein dilation, and microvascular changes. Fortunately, most of these symptoms were found to be reversible, especially in non-severe cases. But in more severe COVID-19 cases, long-lasting retinal changes were noted, including a higher risk of retinal vein occlusion, a form of eye stroke.
Vaccines Can Also Trigger Ocular Lesions
While the overall incidence is low, the study found that COVID-19 vaccines can also cause eye problems. Uveitis was the most common post-vaccination eye condition, likely triggered by immune system responses to vaccine components. Most cases were mild and resolved with standard treatment.
Retinal vascular occlusions, another serious concern, were also observed after vaccination, particularly within th
e first 12 weeks. One study cited in the review found a 2.19 times higher risk of retinal vascular blockages in vaccinated individuals, though the exact cause remains unclear.
What These Findings Mean
The eyes can be affected both during and after COVID-19 infection, as well as following vaccination. While most ocular lesions such as conjunctivitis and mild uveitis are temporary and treatable, more severe issues like retinal thrombosis and ROCM (a rare fungal eye disease) require prompt medical attention. Vaccines, while overwhelmingly safe, are not entirely free of risks for some individuals.
This review underscores the importance of eye monitoring in COVID-19 patients and vaccinated individuals, especially those with pre-existing eye conditions or on immunosuppressants. Future research is needed to better understand the mechanisms and long-term impacts of these ocular complications.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed Journal of Ophthalmology
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/joph/7078264
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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