Characteristics of ocular findings of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in China.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to report the ocular manifestations in individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and investigate any correlation between the occurrence of ocular symptoms and systemic symptoms.

METHODS

A retrospective electronic survey was conducted among the general public in northern China from December 2022 through February 2023. Inclusion criteria for COVID-19 was confirmed testing positive via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or testing positive for COVID-19 via an antigen kit. The anonymous survey collected information on demographics, systemic COVID-19 symptoms, ocular diagnosis and symptoms, comorbidities and disease history.

RESULTS

A total of 2,405 survey responses were collected and the final analysis included individuals in the 335 COVID-19 positive group and 434 individuals in the COVID-19 negative group. Among COVID-19 positive patients 66.3% (n = 222) reported experiencing ocular symptoms. Dryness (n = 106, 31.6%), blurred vision (n = 81, 24.2%), eye pain (n = 72, 21.5%), and itching (n = 71, 21.2%) were the main features. COVID-19 was found to be associated with a higher prevalence of conjunctivitis, iritis, uveitis, retinal vein occlusion and optic neuritis. The majority of individuals (51.0%) developed eye symptoms after the onset of COVID-19 systemic symptoms. There was no significant association between the severity of systemic symptoms and ocular symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with COVID-19 were significantly more likely to experience ocular symptoms. COVID-19 was found to be associated with a higher prevalence of retinal diseases. The majority of individuals developed ocular symptoms right after the onset of systemic symptoms.