May 26, 2020

expert reaction to queries about COVID-19 affecting people’s eyesight

There have been questions from journalists regarding the claims of Dominic Cummings and Boris Johnson around the affect of COVID-19 on a persons eyesight. 

A spokesperson for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said:

“Like any upper respiratory tract infection, COVID-19 can cause conjunctivitis, which is irritation of the membrane covering the eye. This is for the majority mild and not sight threatening. There is currently no evidence of sight loss caused directly by the virus, but research is still being carried out into some very rare cases of sight loss that appear to be secondary to other complications such as blood clots caused by the virus.

“Any sudden change in vision should be taken seriously and we would recommend seeking immediate medical advice from an optometrist or NHS 111 (either via phone or online). If your vision is in any way compromised we would not advise attempting to drive.”

A spokesperson for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists said:

“The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is unable to report on the association of vision impairment, as a result of a patient contracting COVID-19, due to a lack of evidence. A direct causal effect can only be established through the reporting of proven cases of COVID-19 patients and their symptoms.

“Our scientific journal EYE, has recently published a collection of research papers that focus on the latest evidence and impact of COVID-19 on ophthalmology practice. Several articles in this issue discuss the latest understanding of ocular involvement by coronavirus and the risk of transmission through ocular tissue and tears.

“We believe that there have been a few cases reported on viral conjunctivitis and a statement was issued on this topic, in association with the College of Optometrists in March.

“The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and members are continuing to recover hospital eye services to ensure that high risk patients are receiving the treatment and follow up appointments to manage their conditions and to reduce any potential loss of vision.

“It is important that patients ring 111, or speak with their GP or an optometrist if they feel that their vision has deteriorated. If patients have experienced significant loss of vision or trauma to their eyes, they should go to their nearest A&E. Working with NHSE and the College of Optometrists, RCOphth have developed a framework for the implementation of emergency eye care access for patients.”

A spokesperson for Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, said:

“At present, there is very little evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can affect eyesight. Cases where COVID-19 is recorded alongside an impact on eyesight are rare, so we cannot establish a direct causal effect. We need more data to be collected on COVID-19 related eye conditions to see if there is an association.

“If you are concerned about your eyesight or the health of your eyes please call 111 or speak with your GP who can offer support and information.”

Prof Robert MacLaren FMedSci, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, said:

“Coronavirus can affect the eyes in several ways. It was reported in approximately one third of patients in Wuhan (China) in a recent study (Wu et al., JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020 Mar 31; 138(5): 575-8). The ocular manifestations in the Wuhan patients included conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia (red eye), chemosis (eye swelling), epiphora (watery eye) and increased secretions (sticky eye).

“Any of the above symptoms may affect vision and affected patients would be advised to drive with caution or not at all if there was significant blurring of vision or double vision.”

All our previous output on this subject can be seen at this weblink:

www.sciencemediacentre.org/tag/COVID-19

Declared interests

None received.