Use of Imaging Technology to Assess the Effect of COVID-19 on Retinal Tissues: A Systematic Review.
Ophthalmol Ther
; 11(3): 1017-1030, 2022 Jun.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1821036
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on retinal tissues by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature.BACKGROUND:
The novel coronavirus disease is not yet well understood. The orbit provides a window into the body's microvasculature, and as such, it is a non-invasive opportunity to analyse the systemic circulation in vivo. By analysing the current literature, we test the hypothesis that non-invasive imaging of the retina could provide insight into the effect of COVID-19 on the retinal microvasculature.METHODS:
For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we screened PubMed databases and LitCOVID19 using the search criteria (OCTA or Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography) AND (COVID-19 or corona or SARS-CoV-2) AND (retina or fundus). Databases were searched on 11 January 2022. The primary study outcomes were studies that utilised OCTA to analyse the retina; secondary outcomes involved studies that involved other imaging modalities such as OCT, fundus photography, and fundus autofluorescence.FINDINGS:
The total number of studies included in this review was 32. Optical coherence tomography angiography scans show reduced central retinal vascular density, a thinner ganglion cell layer, a thicker retinal nerve fibre layer, and an enlarged foveal avascular zone. Optical coherence tomography scans demonstrate a thicker central macular thickness and other changes to the macula, ganglion cell, and inner nuclear layers. Many fundus photographs depicted cotton wool spots, microhaemorrhages, and vascular occlusions. Non-invasive imaging technology has demonstrated that COVID-19 can profoundly affect the retina. Therefore, there is a requirement for long-term follow-up of COVID-19 patients to assess whether the retinal damage caused by COVID-19 is reversible.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
/
Reviews
/
Systematic review/Meta Analysis
Language:
English
Journal:
Ophthalmol Ther
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S40123-022-00509-8
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