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COVID-19 occur predominantly in the anterior segment of
the eye; however, retinal and optic nerve complications
have also been documented. Central retinal vein
occlusion, which is a thrombosis of the retinal circulation
can occur resulting in severe visual impairment.

SARS-Cov-2 affects the retina and choroid through
direct infection or triggering an indirect inflammatory
response. This can lead to cotton wool spots (tiny
white areas on the retina, which usually disappear
without treatment), haemorrhages, swelling and Right eye in case 2 presenting with central retinal vein occlusion following
acute macular neuroretinopathy (damage to the coronavirus disease infection.
macula, which is the central part of the retina).

The literature on COVID continues to evolve. There vision due to optic neuritis, and gait-abnormalities. More
are several reports of neuro-ophthalmic conditions in research is needed to establish a causal relationship
COVID-infected patients; these include diplopia (double between COVID and neuro-ophthalmic disease and
vision), eye pain, pain caused by eye movement, reduced to better understand its development in the eye.

COVID and Ophthalmic the disease. Vaccine hesitancy is made using processes developed
Practice undoubtedly the major stumbling and tested over many years and
Eye professionals are at great risk block in preventing the spread of designed to make vaccines quickly
of contracting COVID because face- the disease and protecting eyecare in case of an infectious disease
to-face proximity is required to and other health professionals. pandemic, such as COVID-19.
examine patients using a slit-lamp or
ophthalmoscope. In February 2020, COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy 2) The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
Dr Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist The vaccine uptake rate in South are as safe as other vaccines. The
from Wuhan in China, died of an Africa, the country most affected by mRNA vaccines cannot change
infection after contracting the COVID-19 on the African continent, one’s DNA. Instead, they teach
virus. Dr Li had attempted to warn is still only 43% of the population. one’s body how to make a protein
colleagues of a potentially severe This is below the government’s that triggers an immune response
infectious disease outbreak prior to initial goal to vaccinate 40 million that can fight off disease.
his death. He urged doctors to wear people (which is equivalent to 70%
PPE and masks while examining of the population) by the end of 3) Most people have mild or no side
patients. It is hypothesised that the 2021. Vaccine hesitancy is a result effects after taking a COVID-19
nasolacrimal system may act as a of misinformation and anti-vaccine vaccine. As of May 2021, more
conduit for viruses to travel from tropes, which are not based on than 1.35-billion vaccine doses
the URT to the eye. Hence, ocular scientific principles. The public safety have been safely administered
tissue and fluid may represent a infographics, released by the WHO worldwide. Usual side effects
potential source of SARS-Cov-2. and the Johns Hopkins Department include mild headache, fever
of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland in and body aches – all of which
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the US, have been produced to inform subside within 48 hours.
more than 20 ophthalmologists the public about vaccine hesitancy.
have lost their lives from COVID-19 4) Getting vaccinated is safer than
worldwide. This is a staggering The following facts may help to getting infected or sick to develop
figure and emphasises why debunk myths and false beliefs immunity against COVID-19.
ophthalmologists need to take regarding vaccine safety and efficacy: Remember, COVID-19 can be
every possible precaution to 1) The COVID-19 vaccines were a life-threatening disease.
protect themselves and their created quickly but were still
patients. Encouraging patients to carefully tested for safety. The 5) Getting vaccinated helps protect
be vaccinated is the most important developers of the vaccines did not one from getting sick. Vaccination
measure of protecting eyecare cut corners on testing for safety reduces one’s risk of becoming
professionals from acquiring and efficacy. The vaccines were seriously ill or dying from COVID-19.

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