Eye nodules discovered in patients following severe COVID-19

Scientists have described eye nodules in a small group of patients with a history of severe COVID-19.

The researchers, who report their findings in Radiology, analysed the ocular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 129 patients who had severe COVID-19 between March 4 and May 1, 2020. 

Within this group, nine patients (7%) had one or more hyperintense nodules on the posterior pole of the globe.

All nine patients had nodules in the macular region, while all but one had bilateral nodules and two patients had nodules outside the macular region.

The authors suggest that in clinical practice patients with severe COVID-19 should have high-resolution MRI scans taken, as well as fundoscopy and optical coherence tomography, to check for the presence of posterior pole nodules.

“Severe eye problems might largely go unnoticed as these patients are often treated in intensive care units for much more severe, life-threatening conditions,” they noted.

“Our data supports the need for a screening and follow-up of these patients to provide appropriate treatment and improve the management of potentially severe ophthalmological manifestations,” the study authors highlighted.