Uveitis following COVID-19 vaccination

A literature review for Canadian ophthalmologists

Authors

  • Larissa Derzko-Dzulynsky, MD, FRCSC
  • Seema Emami, MD
  • Austin Pereira, MD, MEng

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cect.2022.1213

Abstract

The advent of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccines markedly reduced adverse outcomes associated with COVID-19 infection. With over 12 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered globally as of June 2022, reports have emerged of ocular sequelae following immunization. Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. However, it is important for ophthalmologists to understand the potential adverse events related to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to provide opportunity for appropriate patient counselling and diagnosis. This review outlines the reported associations between COVID-19 vaccination and uveitis, including proposed mechanisms and recommendations for treating ophthalmologists.

Author Biographies

Larissa Derzko-Dzulynsky, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Larissa Derzko-Dzulynsky is an Associate Professor and Chief of the Uveitis Service, in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences (DOVS), University of Toronto. Recent publications have included Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab and Infliximab for non-infectious uveitis, CMV anterior uveitis and wait times in uveitis. Current research includes OCT features in uveitis, and outcomes in PIC-related CNV. Dr. Derzko-Dzulynsky has worked closely with rheumatologists to establish standardized criteria for immunomodulatory treatment for uveitis and has increased awareness of uveitis in Canada.

Seema Emami, MD

Seema Emami is a 5th year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Toronto Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. She previously obtained her undergraduate degree from McGill University, and her medical degree from McMaster University. Her interests include global health, health equity, and uveitis and ocular immunology.

Austin Pereira, MD, MEng

Austin Pereira is a 3rd year resident at the University of Toronto’s Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences. He graduated from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine in 2020, while also receiving a Master’s of Engineering degree in 2019. His clinical research interests are in artificial intelligence modelling for vitreoretinal surgery and delineating the pathophysiology for a variety of uveitic disease entities.

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Published

2022-09-01

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1.
Derzko-Dzulynsky L, Emami S, Pereira A. Uveitis following COVID-19 vaccination: A literature review for Canadian ophthalmologists. Can Eye Care Today [Internet]. 2022 Sep. 1 [cited 2024 Dec. 4];1(2):15–20. Available from: https://canadianeyecaretoday.com/article/view/1-2-2

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Volume 1, Issue 2, September 2022

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