Ocular Adverse Events after Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccination in Xiamen.

Aims: To report potential vaccine-induced ocular adverse events following inactivated COVID-19 vaccination (Sinopharm and Sinovac).

Methods

This case series took place at a tertiary referral center in the southeast of China (Xiamen Eye Center in Fujian Province) from February 2021 to July 2021. Patients who received the first dose of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine and developed vaccine-related ocular adverse events within 10 days were included. The diagnosis of vaccine-related ocular adverse events was guided by the World Health Organization causality assessment and the Naranjo criteria.

Results

Ten eyes of seven patients (two male individuals) presenting with ocular complaints following COVID-19 vaccine were included in the study. The mean (SD) age was 41.4 (9.3) years (range, 30-55 years). The mean time of ocular adverse event manifestations was 4.9 days (range, 1-10 days). Three patients were diagnosed with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH)-like uveitis, one with multifocal choroiditis, one with episcleritis, one with iritis, and one with acute idiopathic maculopathy. Two patients received the second dose of vaccine. One patient had exacerbation of VKH, and one patient had no symptoms. An aqueous humor analysis in three patients revealed elevated proinflammatory cytokines and negative virus copy. All the patients had transient ocular disturbance and responded well to steroids. No recurrence was noted during 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Potential ocular adverse events should be reported to increase the awareness of the health community for timely detection and proper treatment.