ABSTRACT
Objective: The current
study aimed to evaluate eye care needs along with ocular findings in
patients treated in intensive care units due to Covid-19 infection.
Materials and Methods: A total of 93 patients, 58 men and 35
women, who were under follow-up and treatment in intensive care due to
COVID-19 infection between 01/01/2021 and 02/15/2021 were included in
the study. Detailed eye examinations of the patients were performed with
a portable handheld biomicroscope and direct and indirect
ophthalmoscope. Cases requiring treatment for eye diseases were
identified and treated.
Results: The mean patient age was 68.32 ± 9.97 years; 35
patients were followed-up and treated with non-invasive mechanical
ventilation and 58 patients with invasive mechanical ventilation
support. Mild, moderate, and severe chemosis was observed in 19 patients
(20.4%), 10 patients (10.8%), and 4 patients (4.3%), respectively.
Conjunctivitis (8.6%) was observed in 8 patients. Corneal abrasion was
present in 7 patients (7.5%). Keratitis secondary to exposure
keratopathy was observed in one patient. Eye care and medical treatment
was initiated for these patients. We noted 8 patients (8.6%) with
retinal haemorrhage; however, to the best of our knowledge, these
patients may show acute retinal involvement secondary to systemic
diseases or have previous retinal findings other than Covid-19 infection
or treatments.
Conclusion: Findings of ocular involvement due to COVID-19
infection were detected in the present study. Retinal haemorrhages were
detected in addition to the common findings in viral infections.
Especially in patients supported with mechanical ventilation, the
detection and treatment of conditions that require eye care for exposure
keratopathy is very important for recovering from the disease and the
quality of vision.
Key words : Covid-19, eyecare, retina, ocular complications,
critical care