An insidious clinical picture: optic nerve involvement in COVID-19 patients

Objective: Many neurological symptoms due to central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and musculoskeletal system damage have been reported in more than a third of patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Although optic neuritis has been reported in patients with COVID-19, they are extremely rare. The aim of this study was screening optic nerve involvement in COVID-19 with visual evoked potential (VEP) in asymptomatic patients without a history of visual impairment. Materials and Methods: Pattern reversal VEP measurements were made in 101 adult patients with COVID-19 without a history of visual impairment after they completed COVID-19 treatments and the quarantine period. VEPs were recorded with the 4-channel electromyography-evoked device in a dark room. P100 latencies and amplitudes were analyzed by the same neurologist. Results: A total of 34 (33.7%) patients had P100 latency prolongation. There was no significant difference in terms of gender, age or outpatient/inpatient treatment status. There was no significant correlation between the time of polymerase chain reaction diagnosis and VEP values. Conclusion: Contrary to previous studies, asymptomatic optic nerve involvement after COVID-19 was detected by VEP measurements. Prolongation of P100 latency shows the probable linkage between COVID-19 virus and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptors in human eyes.