The world is currently still suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus that spread from Wuhan, China, in December 2019. More than 100 million people worldwide have been infected. Although the disease mainly affects the respiratory system, it can also damage cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, hematological, ocular, and cutaneous tissues. Previous studies have shown that the human eye contains receptors in the conjunctiva and corneal epithelium, the ciliary body, choroid, retina, and retinal pigment epithelium, through which the virus can enter. The virus is also thought to cause endothelial damage in a number of ways.
In the study published in BJBMS, the authors sought to explore the choroid and fovea since research into the effect of COVID-19 in mild cases was lacking. The authors aimed to demonstrate the effects of previous COVID-19 infection on central foveal and choroidal thicknesses.
The study was conducted on two groups, a total of 32 patients with histories of COVID-19 between 14 and 60 days, and 32 healthy volunteers. Central foveal and choroidal thicknesses were measured. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of either central foveal or choroidal thicknesses.
The results of their research proved that the infection has no short-term effect on nasal and temporal choroidal and subfoveal retinal thicknesses in patients without comorbidities and a history of mild COVID-19. However, further research is now needed to understand potential choroidal changes during the early acute phase or in severe cases.
Dr. Sabiha Kobat, the author of the study.
Reference:
Fırat M, Kobat S. How are central foveal and choroidal thickness affected in patients with mild COVID-19 infection? Bosn J of Basic Med Sci, 2021. Available from: https://www.bjbms.org/ojs/index.php/bjbms/article/view/5840
Editor: Edna Skopljak, MD
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