Posterior Scleritis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Report

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2023 Apr;31(3):638-640. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2042319. Epub 2022 Feb 28.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of posterior scleritis following COVID-19 vaccination.

Study design: Case report.

Results: A 78-year-old female presented with headache and right-sided visual loss 10 days after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 'Examination showed disc oedema and a serous retinal detachment. B-scan ultrasound showed thickening of the posterior sclera with retroscleral fluid. CT head with venogram excluded venous sinus thrombosis. The patient's condition improved rapidly with oral corticosteroids with restoration of vision and resolution of disc swelling and serous detachment by 4 weeks.

Conclusions: Posterior scleritis should be considered in patients presenting with headaches and blurred vision following vaccination. Timely diagnosis and treatment with corticosteroids can prevent permanent visual loss.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccination; Case report; posterior scleritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Aged
  • Blindness / drug therapy
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Scleritis* / diagnosis
  • Scleritis* / drug therapy
  • Scleritis* / etiology
  • Vision Disorders / diagnosis

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones