Post-COVID Vision Changes Are More Common Than You Think – Here’s What Port Jefferson Station Patients Need to Know

As we continue to understand the long-term effects of COVID-19, one area that’s receiving increased attention is its impact on vision and eye health. Some people have reported vision changes following COVID-19, with current studies showing that 1 in 10 COVID patients experience at least one eye problem, such as dryness, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. For residents of Port Jefferson Station and surrounding Suffolk County areas, understanding these potential complications is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health.

The Science Behind COVID-Related Vision Problems

Rarely, COVID-19 can cause vision problems by increasing a person’s risk of blood clots. These may develop due to increased inflammation after the immune system has attempted to manage the virus. Using a humanized ACE2 mice model, researchers found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can infect the inside of the eyes even when the virus doesn’t enter the body through the surface of the eyes. Instead, they found that when viruses enter the body through inhalation, it not only infects organs like lungs, but also reaches highly protected organs like eyes through the blood-retinal barrier.

Research reveals that SARS-CoV-2 not only reaches the eye during systemic infection but induces a hyperinflammatory response in the retina and causes cell death in the blood-retinal barrier. The longer viral remnants remain in the eye, the risk of damage to the retina and visual function increases.

Common Post-COVID Eye Symptoms

The range of vision-related symptoms following COVID-19 infection is surprisingly broad. Direct eye- and vision-related symptoms were common (26.3–60.5%) and included eye fatigue, sore or strained eyes, headaches, or dizziness after using the eyes, blurred vision at distance or near, and fluctuating clarity of vision.

Blurry vision is one of the most commonly reported post-COVID eye problems, with 31.2% reporting it appearing or worsening with COVID-19 infection. Other frequently reported symptoms include:

• Dry eye symptoms (21.1–26.3%); eyes feel dry and sting, and have to rub the eyes a lot
• Increased light sensitivity reported by 42.1–50.0% of subjects, with outdoor as well as normal indoor light causing discomfort
• Eye pain and extreme sensitivity to light that can persist for months after illness
• Pupillary reaction problems in several patients, who were abnormally dilated and unable to adequately constrict the pupil

When Do These Symptoms Typically Appear?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, COVID-19 vision problems may occur within 1 to 6 weeks of noticing COVID-19 symptoms. When eye problems occur, they tend to develop within 1 to 6 weeks of experiencing COVID symptoms. Importantly, these problems have developed in people who were very sick with COVID as well as people who were apparently healthy and lacked symptoms.

Serious Complications to Watch For

While most post-COVID eye problems are manageable, some can be more serious. Blood clots can block nutrients from reaching the retina, meaning that its tissue may swell up and die. When blood clots prevent nutrients from getting to the retina, the tissue in the retina begins to swell and die. If the doctor examines your eye closely using optical coherence tomography, this area looks white and fluffy like cotton wool.

Blood clots in the arteries of the retina can block the flow of oxygen, causing cells to die. This is known as a retinal artery occlusion, or eye stroke. A recent study in Egypt shows that several ocular morbidities could be more likely to occur in long COVID patients including retinal vascular occlusion, uveitis, and central serous chorioretinopathy.

The Impact on Daily Life

The effects of post-COVID vision changes extend beyond simple discomfort. Most subjects reported a large degree of disability affecting daily tasks and the average subject was ‘quite dissatisfied’ with their vision. 32% were on partial or total sick leave from work due to their eye problems. Some examples of potentially vision-related symptoms are headaches, difficulty focusing while reading, feeling overwhelmed in crowded spaces, dizziness while in a moving vehicle, and more.

Why Professional Eye Care Is Essential

Given the complexity and potential severity of post-COVID vision changes, seeking professional eye care is crucial. Given the potential for long-term ocular damage, routine eye exams are essential for post-COVID care. “A routine eye exam is crucial in detecting early onset of any ocular conditions,” advised Dr Singh. “For those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, we recommend you ask your ophthalmologist to check for signs of pathological changes to the retina,” Singh said.

For residents seeking comprehensive eye care in the Port Jefferson Station area, finding an experienced eye doctor port jefferson station is essential for proper evaluation and treatment of post-COVID vision symptoms. North Shore Advanced Eye Care, led by Dr. Edward J. Moylan, has been serving the Suffolk County community for over 25 years, combining cutting-edge technology with personalized care to address the unique needs of each patient.

Moving Forward with Confidence

These findings confirm the importance of ocular follow-up of COVID-19 patients after recovery. The visual function problems found in this study can, based on clinical experience, be targeted with appropriate spectacles and vision therapy. While post-COVID vision changes can be concerning, early detection and proper treatment can help manage symptoms and protect long-term eye health.

If you’ve experienced COVID-19 and are noticing changes in your vision, don’t wait. Schedule a comprehensive eye examination to ensure your eyes receive the care they deserve. Remember, “The longer the issue goes unmanaged the worse it gets, so once you’ve recovered from COVID-19 make sure you get your eyes checked; it’s an important part of taking care of yourself and getting back to who you were.”