Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome Following COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2023 Aug;31(6):1240-1244. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2127782. Epub 2022 Oct 13.

Abstract

Purpose: To report two cases of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) following COVID-19 vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine.

Methods: Two case reports. Case-1: A 40-yo Caucasian male, complained of blurred and decrease of vision in his left eye (OS) one week after the first dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Funduscopic examination OS showed multiple granular white dots with an aspect of foveal granularity. Case-2: A 23-yo woman also presented with defective and decrease of vision OS. She received her first dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine ten days before. Dilated fundus examination OS showed altered macular reflex with an aspect of foveal granularity.

Results: Multimodal imaging showed features of MEWDS in both cases. The anomalies found resolved spontaneously after 6 weeks.

Conclusion: Inflammation and immune dysregulation induced by COVID-19 mRNA vaccine or its adjuvants could be involved in ocular adverse effects.

Keywords: Covid-19; MWEDS; mRNA vaccine; retina; uveitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • BNT162 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Retinal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases* / etiology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • Vaccination / adverse effects
  • White Dot Syndromes* / diagnosis

Substances

  • BNT162 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • RNA, Messenger