Ocular and Systemic Complications of COVID-19: Impact on Patients and Healthcare

20Citations
Citations of this article
64Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

There is increasing information available about the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the systemic and ocular health of patients, as well as the effects of delayed health care. This mini-review summarizes the potential complications and treatments of COVID-19. Systemic findings include respiratory illness, risk of thromboembolic events, and neurologic findings. Some patients may develop persistent symptoms even after the infection resolves. Effective treatment options include glucocorticoids, antivirals, interleukin-6 antagonists, monoclonal antibodies, Janus kinase inhibitors and vaccines. Potential ocular findings of COVID-19 include conjunctivitis, cranial nerve palsies, and microvascular changes in the retina; most symptoms resolved over time. During the lockdown periods, teleophthalmology was utilized to triage non-urgent issues; patients who did present to emergency departments tended to have more severe disease with worse visual prognoses. While transient delays in outpatient ophthalmic care may be tolerated in some patients, others experienced significant vision loss with interruptions in treatments. Resumption of ophthalmic care as soon as possible may help mitigate the effects of delayed care due to the pandemic.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Leung, E. H., Fan, J., Flynn, H. W., & Albini, T. A. (2022, January 4). Ocular and Systemic Complications of COVID-19: Impact on Patients and Healthcare. Clinical Ophthalmology. Dove Medical Press Ltd. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S336963

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free