Researchers from Linköping University in Sweden have discovered that the coronavirus can cause long-term visual impairments in some patients, as reported on the Nature website.
According to the scientists, up to 35% of individuals who experienced severe COVID-19 or suffer from long COVID encounter symptoms such as eye pain, increased sensitivity to light, reduced visual clarity, and difficulty focusing.
The specialists examined patients whose symptoms persisted for more than 12 weeks after infection. The analysis revealed a decrease in the density of corneal nerve fibers, signs of chronic inflammation, and weakened pupil responses. At the same time, standard vision tests often failed to detect any changes.
The researchers also found alterations in the composition of tear fluid. The data obtained enabled the development of a diagnostic model capable of identifying hidden impairments through tear analysis and pupil response testing.
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