“Izvestia” in the department of ophthalmology of the Federal State Budgetary Institution NMITSO FMBA of Russia was informed that COVID-19 can cause disorders of the visual system. We are talking about lesions of the ocular surface (conjunctivitis), changes in the retina, inflammation and thrombosis of the vessels of the eyes.

“Coronavirus can affect the vessels of the eyes, causing microvascular damage to the retina. They are manifested as follows: inflammation of the type of vasculitis and a state of hypercoagulability (disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome). Inflammation is most often manifested by opacities in the vitreous body, changes in the retina. Thrombosis of the retinal veins and arteries is manifested by a decrease in vision, sometimes by a change in the field of vision”, explained Nika Takhchidi, head of the ophthalmology department of the Federal State Budgetary Institution NMITSO FMBA of Russia, a full member of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), a member of the Russian Society of Ophthalmologists.

The danger of infection for eyes is confirmed by international studies. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was also found in some of the retinas of deceased patients with COVID-19, according to the work of experts from the PRC. Scientists have concluded that the coronavirus can spread through tears and aerosols. Therefore, more research is needed on eye diseases caused by infection, the authors of the work believe.