Title of study: Long COVID and Visual Signs and Symptoms.
Introduction
Long COVID is a well-known condition that can cause ongoing health problems after a COVID-19 infection. While doctors still do not fully understand how it develops, many possible causes have been suggested. Some of the symptoms are neurological and can affect vision. Recognizing these common visual symptoms in patients with long COVID can help guide treatment and speed up recovery.
Methods
Researchers conducted a retrospective review of 47 patients who visited the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Clinic at SUNY College of Optometry’s University Eye Center between March 15, 2020 and December 31, 2022. These patients had all self-reported a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Medical records were reviewed for visual symptoms such as:
- Brain fog and fatigue
- Light sensitivity
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Dizziness or balance issues (vestibular symptoms)
- Visual snow (seeing visual static)
The team also examined post-evaluation diagnoses related to binocular vision, eye movement (oculomotor), and focusing (accommodative) dysfunctions — and compared them to the patients’ reported symptoms.
Results
The most common symptom across all patients was vestibular-related issues (77%), regardless of their final diagnosis.
Other frequently reported symptoms included:
- Brain fog and fatigue (51%)
- Light sensitivity (66%)
- Headaches (66%)
- Eyestrain (66%)
91% of patients reported multiple symptoms. Binocular vision dysfunction was the most common diagnosis, found in 92% of patients. Many patients also had multiple diagnoses (57%). An interesting finding: 40% of patients also reported a prior concussion.
Patients with long COVID often present with a wide range of visual symptoms and are commonly diagnosed with multiple visual issues. A thorough eye examination — with a special focus on vestibular function (balance and spatial orientation) — is very important for this group. The visual symptoms seen in long COVID are very similar to those found in people with post-concussion vision problems. Because of this, neuro-optometric rehabilitation — a treatment commonly used for concussion patients — may also benefit those with long COVID.
