Issue 12/2022
G. Markov, R. Hristova, N. Andonova,
Y. Zdravkov, A. Oscar
Clinic of eye diseases, Department of Ophthalmology,
UMBAL Aleksandrovska,
Medical University – Sofia
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present serious medical, social and economic challenges globally. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and its main mode of transmission is by air droplets. Most frequently a respiratory infection of the upper and/or lower airways is observed. However, any organ may be involved. The COVID-19-associated ocular manifestations are quite varied – from simple conjunctivitis to blinding retinal vascular occlusions. Ocular involvement has been described in about 11% of the cases. The incidence of COVID-19-associated uveitis is unknown. It may develop during or months after the systemic infection. The pathogenesis is unclarified, however, the failure to isolate the virus from intraocular fluid during active inflammation and the good response to corticosteroids and immunomodulators, favor the role of autoinflammatory or autoimmune mechanisms. All anatomical types of uveitis have been observed, with granulomatous and non-granulomatous variants. Anterior uveitides have had the best prognosis. The other types – intermediate, posterior and panuveitis, may require long-term immunomodulatory therapy. In any patient with COVID-19-associated intraocular inflammation, a secondary infection must also be ruled out, especially when there is no response to or worsening during corticosteroid therapy.
Address for correspondence:
G. Markov
Clinic for eye diseases, “Alexandrovska” UMBAL
1 „Georgui Sofyiski“, Str.
1463 Sofia
e-mail: dr.georgimarkov@gmail.com