Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel pandemic viral illness which may lead to
severe respiratory diseases. However, its ophthalmic manifestations are still not well
understood. There could be serious complications involving various organs in patients
with the disease and in those who are recovering, or have recovered, from COVID-19.
Endogenous endophthalmitis, was a rare occurrence in the past but has increased in the
post-COVID-19 pandemic. Endogenous endophthalmitis results from hematogenous
spread from a remote primary source. A 55-year-old man with confirmed COVID-19
presented to a local hospital with unilateral gradual loss of vision and swelling of the left
eye that occurred 10 days after discharge from the hospital. Based on detailed ophthalmic
examination, this patient with a co-morbidity, namely diabetes mellitus was placed in the
intensive care unit where he was given corticosteroids and ventilation for two weeks. Most
patients requiring mechanical ventilation may experience disorders of the eye, and it may
be difficult to treat these occurrences while the patient remains in ICU. COVID-19 can lead
to ocular complications especially in the late stages of infection. Follow-up of post
COVID-19 patients is crucial to monitor possible ocular complaints including
endophthalmitis as early diagnosis and treatment is essential to salvage vision.
Contribution: There is a possible link between COVID-19 and endophthalmitis, which is a
rare but devastating eye infection. The medical community should consider the eye when
evaluating the role of anti-infectious treatment and immunomodulation.
