Visual dysfunction in survivors of COVID-19: Case series

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: This case series aims to expand knowledge on COVID-19 diagnosis and functional vision status and highlight the importance of best practices with regards to comprehensive vision screening. DESIGN: Case Series. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation clinics in Minnesota, USA and Texas, USA. PARTICIPANTS: Five adults admitted to rehabilitation with diagnosed post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, inclusive of visual dysfunction. Three participants had no remarkable history of visual dysfunction or acquired brain injury; two participants had prior neurological history: one with mild traumatic brain injury and one with concussion, both are significant for visual dysfunction following the acute events. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were treated in acute and outpatient rehabilitation settings following the positive visual screen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: N/A. RESULTS: This case series highlights visual dysfunction in five patients diagnosed with COVID-19, with and without prior history of neurological disorders. All five participants described newly acquired or a recrudescence of visual symptoms which impacted daily function. 5 out of 5 patients had confirmatory findings following comprehensive visual assessment. Visual symptoms consistent between the cases included, but were not limited to, blurred vision, diplopia, photophobia, impaired near-point focus, headaches, and general visual discomfort and asthenopia throughout their day. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 present with a wide-range of symptoms and often neurological sequelae, without a predictable pattern. Despite the substantial impact of COVID-19 globally, and the massive increase in research efforts, certain domains remain poorly understood. One such domain is vision and the impact that visual impairment attributed to COVID-19 has on functional independence. This case series supports new evidence for visual sequelae in COVID-19 with and without history of a neurological disorder. Such findings motivate new research questions such as the pathophysiological differences between acute onset versus recrudesced visual dysfunction. It is imperative that consistent and comprehensive visual screening is performed for individuals who are diagnosed with COVID-19. Universal awareness of potential visual dysfunction following COVID-19 infection is essential for timely screening, referrals and treatment to optimize patient outcomes. AUTHOR(S) DISCLOSURES: There are no relevant author disclosures.