Optic Neuritis After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

J Neuroophthalmol. 2023 Mar 1;43(1):29-33. doi: 10.1097/WNO.0000000000001811. Epub 2023 Jan 4.

Abstract

Background: To describe recent cases of optic neuritis in patients who received a vaccine for COVID-19.

Methods: Retrospective case series of patients diagnosed with optic neuritis after a recent COVID-19 vaccination with BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), in one university-affiliated tertiary hospital, from January 2021 to June 2021. Data were obtained from medical charts.

Results: We describe 7 patients who developed optic neuritis after immunization with the BNT162b2 vaccine.

Conclusions: A causal relationship cannot be deduced, and the importance of COVID-19 vaccination is not challenged. However, the authors encourage a prospective monitoring and reporting system for all patients receiving COVID-19 vaccines, to further assess the spectrum of adverse events in large databases.

MeSH terms

  • BNT162 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Optic Neuritis* / diagnosis
  • Optic Neuritis* / etiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • BNT162 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccines