COVID-19-associated acute demyelinating optic neuritis:clinical features and immunological insightsOA

Objective:To investigate the potential association between COVID-19 and optic neuritis by reporting a related case.Methods:We report a case of a 45-year-old woman who developed sudden bilateral vision loss,visual field defects,headache,and pain with eye movement following confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.The patient had no significant medical history or autoimmune diseases,and tests for demyelinating antibodies were negative.Ophthalmic examination and contrast-enhanced orbital MRI were performed.A review of the current literature on the association between COVID-19 and optic neuritis was also conducted.Results:Ophthalmic examination revealed marked optic disc edema.Contrast-enhanced orbital MRI showed bilateral optic nerve enhancement,confirming the diagnosis of optic neuritis.Conclusion:COVID-19 may be associated with the development of optic neuritis.Clinicians should be aware of ocular neurological complications in patients with COVID-19.