DR. ASHIT HANDA

DR.SANJAY SRINIVASAN, DR. ANKUSH KAWALI, DR. PADMAMALINI MAHENDRA DAS

Abstract

Purpose: To report scleritis and episcleritis within a month following administration of COVID-19 vaccine. Ocular side effects are known to occur.

Methods: Retrospective case series

Results: 16 eyes of 12 consecutive patients with scleritis and episcleritis from March 2021 to September 2021 were included. Mean time of onset of symptoms in patients with scleritis was 15.7 days and for episcleritis it was 13.2 days. Majority received COVISHIELD™ (10 patients). 5 patients had denovo and 7 had recurrent inflammation. Median time from previous (any ocular inflammation) to current episode was 12 months. Episcleritis was treated with topical steroids and systemic COX-2 inhibitors while patients with scleritis were treated with topical steroids/oral steroids/antiviral medications depending on the aetiology.

Conclusion: Scleritis and episcleritis following COVID-19 vaccination are milder and do not require intensive immunosuppression except in rare cases