Panuveitis and optic neuropathy following SARS-COV-2 in the absence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in a child

PURPOSE: To describe the presentation of a healthy 8-year-old female referred to a pediatric ophthalmology clinic with blurred vision and concern for bilateral uveitis. OBSERVATIONS: The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 two weeks prior to the onset of ocular symptoms. An examination revealed bilateral pan-uveitis and patient underwent an extensive work-up for an underlying cause that was unremarkable. Two years following the initial presentation, she has not had any evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This case highlights the potential for COVID-19 to be temporally associated with ocular inflammation and underscores the importance of recognizing and investigating such manifestations in pediatric patients. The mechanism by which COVID-19 may lead to an immune response that affects the eyes is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to an overactive immune response triggered by the virus. Further studies are needed to better understand the potential relationship between COVID-19 and ocular manifestations in pediatric patients.