Our Summary

This research paper looks at two patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and then developed a condition called Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN), which is a severe inflammation of the retina in the eye. The researchers believe that the immune system’s disruption due to COVID-19 may reactivate the herpes virus, potentially leading to this eye condition. The first patient was a 5-year-old child with a severe form of retinal inflammation, and the second was a 61-year-old man with a condition where the retina detaches from the back of the eye in both eyes. Both patients tested positive for the herpes simplex virus. The child was treated with an antiviral medication, and the man had to have surgery in both eyes. This study suggests that COVID-19 can potentially lead to serious eye conditions due to an impaired immune system reactivating the herpes virus.

FAQs

  1. What is Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) and how is it related to COVID-19?
  2. What treatments were used for the patients in the study who developed ARN after recovering from COVID-19?
  3. Can COVID-19 potentially lead to serious eye conditions, and if so, how?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing retinal surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications as directed, avoiding activities that may strain the eyes, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. Additionally, the doctor may recommend wearing protective eyewear and avoiding exposure to harsh light or harmful chemicals to prevent complications and promote a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal surgery include those with:

  1. Retinal detachment: This occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, leading to vision loss. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency and requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.

  2. Macular hole: This is a small break in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Surgery may be recommended to repair the macular hole and restore vision.

  3. Diabetic retinopathy: This is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss. In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to treat complications such as retinal detachment or bleeding in the eye.

  4. Retinal vascular occlusions: These occur when a blood vessel in the retina becomes blocked, leading to vision loss. Surgery may be recommended to restore blood flow to the affected area of the retina.

  5. Macular degeneration: This is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula, leading to central vision loss. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to implant a device that helps improve vision.

  6. Retinal inflammation or infection: Conditions such as Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) or other inflammatory diseases of the retina may require surgical intervention to treat the underlying cause and prevent further vision loss.

Overall, patients with severe retinal conditions that cannot be managed with medications or other non-invasive treatments may be recommended for retinal surgery to preserve or improve their vision.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery:

  • Patients may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, floaters, flashes of light, or a sudden loss of vision.
  • Patients will undergo a comprehensive eye examination to determine the underlying cause of their symptoms.
  • Imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography may be performed to assess the condition of the retina.
  • If a retinal detachment or severe inflammation is detected, surgery may be recommended to repair the retina.

After retinal surgery:

  • Patients will need to follow post-operative care instructions, which may include using eye drops, wearing an eye patch, and avoiding strenuous activities.
  • Patients may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye following surgery, which should gradually improve over time.
  • Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that the retina is properly reattached or the inflammation is resolving.
  • In some cases, patients may need additional procedures or treatments to address any complications or further improve their vision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific reason for recommending retinal surgery in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of the surgery for my particular condition?
  4. How long is the recovery period after retinal surgery?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or medications after the surgery?
  6. What are the chances of the condition recurring after the surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes I should consider to prevent further complications?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing surgery?
  10. Are there any specific precautions I should take during the recovery period to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: Soni A, Narayanan R, Tyagi M, Belenje A, Basu S. Journal: Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2021 May 19;29(4):722-725. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1938135. Epub 2021 Jul 6. PMID: 34228583