Ebola virus disease and the eye

Abstract

Purpose of review: The world has witnessed the largest Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in West Africa with an unprecedented number of infected individuals and survivors. Many systemic and ocular complications have been reported in survivors. Herein, we review the ophthalmic complications associated with Ebolavirus.

Recent findings: EVD causes ocular disease during acute infection and during convalescence. Acute patients manifest with conjunctivitis, subconjunctival hemorrhages, and acute vision loss of unclear cause. The most common complication during recovery is uveitis with live virus implicated in the pathogenesis in one case.

Summary: This epidemic has brought to surface the spectrum of medical complications in EVD survivors with ophthalmic disease being one of the most critical because of its impact on individual functional status and its long-term economic implications. Future studies and programs are needed to appropriately evaluate the spectrum of ophthalmic disease in this at-risk population.