Abstract
Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate eye care needs along with
ocular findings in patients treated in intensive care units due to
Covid-19 infection. Materials and Methods: A total of 93 patients, 58
men and 35 women, who were under follow-up and treatment in intensive
care due to COVID-19 infection between 01/01/2021 and 02/15/2021 were
included in the study. Detailed eye examinations of the patients were
performed with a portable handheld biomicroscope and direct and indirect
ophthalmoscope. Cases requiring treatment for eye diseases were
identified and treated. Results: The mean patient age was 68.32 ± 9.97
years; 35 patients were followed-up and treated with non-invasive
mechanical ventilation and 58 patients with invasive mechanical
ventilation support. Mild, moderate, and severe chemosis was observed in
19 patients (20.4%), 10 patients (10.8%), and 4 patients (4.3%),
respectively. Conjunctivitis (8.6%) was observed in 8 patients. Corneal
abrasion was present in 7 patients (7.5%). Keratitis secondary to
exposure keratopathy was observed in one patient. Eye care and medical
treatment was initiated for these patients. We noted 8 patients (8.6%)
with retinal haemorrhage; however, to the best of our knowledge, these
patients may show acute retinal involvement secondary to systemic
diseases or have previous retinal findings other than Covid-19 infection
or treatments. Conclusion: Findings of ocular involvement due to
COVID-19 infection were detected in the present study. Retinal
haemorrhages were detected in addition to the common findings in viral
infections. Especially in patients supported with mechanical
ventilation, the detection and treatment of conditions that require eye
care for exposure keratopathy is very important for recovering from the
disease and the quality of vision.