Introduction

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to various health issues, including severe pneumonia, organ damage, as well as effects on the retina. Researchers have detected SARS-CoV-2 in the retinas of infected patients, and new imaging methods, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), are being used to investigate its impact on the eye.

Aim of the research

To document changes in retinal thickness (RT) and their association with saturation (SpO2), D-dimers, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients hospitalized for bilateral pneumonia.

Material and methods

This prospective study included COVID-19 patients assessed after 2 months (Group 1) and re-evaluated after 8 months from hospital discharge (Group 2). RT was automatically assessed with OCT. Group 2 RT measurements were compared with those of healthy subjects, and D-dimers, IL-6, and SpO2 levels on admission were correlated with RT in group 1.

Results

Group 2 exhibited a significant decrease in RT compared to group 1 in specific macular regions, accompanied by an increase in certain areas. Moreover, Group 2 demonstrated increased RT compared to a control group in specific regions. A positive correlation was observed between SpO2 ≤ 90% and RT in Group 1 in specific macular regions.

Conclusions

RT in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection is altered at the 6-month follow-up. Hypoxia, hypercoagulability, and inflammation in COVID-19 can collectively influence RT.