Numerous studies show that COVID-19 can damage nearly every part of the eye. The cornea and conjunctiva on the eye’s surface may even serve as an entry point for the virus. While short-term effects can include conjunctivitis, tearing, discharge, and swelling, the long-term effects are proving to be far more concerning.
Because COVID-19 can penetrate the blood-retinal barrier, some patients develop “eye strokes” (blockages in retinal blood vessels), tiny bulges in blood vessels that leak, or small spots of bleeding. In serious cases, this can cause permanent vision loss. COVID-19 has also been linked to eye inflammation (uveitis), optic nerve damage (optic neuritis or ischemic optic neuropathy), and changes to the cornea, such as loss of tiny nerve fibers, sometimes lasting over a year after infection.Find out more by reading the studies below.
*Indicates peer-reviewed studies
*SARS-CoV-2 Infects Cells Lining the Blood-retinal Barrier and Induces a Hyperinflammatory Immune Response in the Retina Via Systemic Exposure. PLOS Pathogens. Ahmad, F, Olson, R.M. et al. Aprile 10, 2024.
*Ocular manifestations of COVID-19: A systematic review of current evidence. Prev Med Rep. SeyedAlinaghi S, Mehraeen E, Afzalian A et al. Jan 14, 2024
COVID And The Eye: What We’ve Learned 5 Years Since The Start Of The Pandemic. Pulmonology Advisor, Lisa Kuhns, PHD. April 4, 2025
*Productive Infection of the Retinal Rigment Epithelium by SARS-CoV-2: Initial Effects and Consideration of Long-term Consequences. PNAS Nexus. Volume 3, Issue 12. Hultgren, N.W., Petcherski, A, et al. December 2024.
*Ocular Neuroinflammatory Response Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection-a review. Frontiers Vol 16, Feb 3, 2025. Zhao, Y, Tang et al.
*Ophthalmic Manifestations of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Hu, K., Patal, J, et al. Stat Pearls. May 6, 2024.
*Non-Hospitalized Long COVID Patients Exhibit Reduced Retinal Capillary Perfusion: A Prospective Cohort Study. Journal of Imaging. Lyons, E.C., Alhalel, J, et al. January 8, 2025.
*Ocular MRI Findings in Patients with Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Multicenter Observational Study Radiology. Lecler, A, Cotton, F, et al. Feb 16, 2021.
Can COVID-19 result in visual problems? Medical News Today. Leela Raju, MD. July 19, 2024.
4 Ways COVID Leaves Its Mark on the Eye. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Reena Mukamal. April 24, 2023.