Evaluation of Changes in Optic Nerve Head and Macular Perfusion Before and After COVID-19 Onset

1

COVID-19 can affect ocular tissues, with viral RNA detected in retinal biopsies and tear fluid, indicating potential ocular complications.
2

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a key tool for assessing retinal microvasculature changes in patients with COVID-19.
3

This study evaluated optic nerve head and macular perfusion changes in 20 patients before and after COVID-19 infection using OCTA.
4

Significant reductions in optic nerve head vessel density were observed post-COVID-19 across multiple sectors, indicating impaired perfusion.
5

The findings highlight the systemic vascular implications of COVID-19, emphasizing the need for ocular assessments in recovering patients.

Bmc Ophthalmology

by Seyfettin Erdem, Sedat Ava, Mehmet Emin Dursun, Mine Karahan, Leyla Hazar, Ugur Keklikci
February 28, 2026

1