Severe COVID-19 can cause serious eye abnormalities, claim researchers
Can COVID-19 impact the eyes?
When it comes to COVID-19 symptoms, fever, fatigue and continuous cough may be some of the classic signs of the infection. However, the deadly virus is not devoid of other medical complications. Researchers have found eye abnormalities in patients suffering with severe COVID-19 condition, which may seem unusual but is highly prevalent, as per the study conducted by the set of medical professionals.
COVID-19 can damage eyes, according to study
According to a recent study published in the medical journal Radiology, severe COVID-19 can cause considerable damage to the eyes and cause certain eye abnormalities in the patients. Experts from the French Society of Neuroradiology, used MRI scans to detect the ocular abnormalities in people suffering with serious COVID-19 infections.
The study conducted MRI scans on 129 patients, of whom 9 individuals showed signs of eye abnormalities and 8 of whom had been hospitalised for COVID-19. The MRI findings projected abnormalities called "nodules" at the back of their eyes, which could be an inflammation or direct damage to the eyes.
Prevention
While COVID-19 calls for a certain level of awareness and vigilance, the study suggests eye screening for all the people suffering with COVID-19. This could include an MRI and a fundoscopy.
Although much remains under speculation, researchers are continuously following up with the patients and conducting various comprehensive tests and MRIs to nip the problem in the bud.
Other ocular symptoms of COVID-19 to watch out for
In previous studies COVID-19 has also been associated with other eye problems such as conjunctivitis and people have often complained of experiencing sore eyes. Different types of conjunctivitis, such as mucous discharge and gritty eyes linked to bacterial infection, have also come to the surface in the recent findings.