Abstract We report a case series of optic neuritis following the COVID-19 pandemic at the Government District Headquarters Hospital, Tamil Nadu. An observational study of 10 patients between June and December 2022 with a sudden onset of defective vision, Relative afferent pupil defect, colour desaturation, diagnosed as Optic neuritis, with positive COVID-19 vaccination, COVID-19 antibody titres, normal radio imaging, and with RT-PCR negative results. All patients were started on intravenous methylprednisolone 1g IV once daily, followed by oral steroids 1mg/kg BW for 11 days. Visual acuity, pupillary function, and resolution of disc edema were assessed periodically, and descriptive statistics were performed with frequency and analysis with Microsoft Excel. In a Total of 10 patients, 40% were males and 60% were females, with an age group between 15 and 63 years. 70 % were unilateral and 30% bilateral. Significant Systemic illness associated was Diabetes; 30% had diabetes, and 70% none. No adverse reactions to steroids were noted during the study and visual acuity significantly improved following treatment. The surge in Optic neuritis post-pandemic is raising concern as COVID-19 infection triggers endothelitis and a hypercoagulable state, leading to visual morbidity.
Sumitha et al. (Thu,) studied this question.