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Case Reports
. 2022 Sep:27:101654.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101654. Epub 2022 Jul 7.

Cataracts in setting of multisystem inflammation after COVID-19 vaccination

Diana H Kim  1   2 , David Hsu  2 , Yafeng Li  1   2 , Michael E Sulewski  1   2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Cataracts in setting of multisystem inflammation after COVID-19 vaccination

Diana H Kim et al. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a unique case of bilateral cataract formation in the setting of multisystem inflammation after the 1st dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

Observations: A previously healthy 20-year-old male developed intumescent bilateral cataracts leading to visual decline from 20/20 to 20/300-20/400 in each eye, likely from systemic inflammation after vaccination.

Conclusion and importance: This is the first reported case of cataract formation following a COVID-19 vaccine. While ocular adverse effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination are rare, it is important to raise awareness of these entities amongst medical providers as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and vaccinations become widespread.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cataracts; Coronavirus; Multisystem inflammatory syndrome-vaccine; Post-vaccination inflammation.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors have no financial disclosures.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Slit lamp photograph of cataracts of the right eye (1A) and left eye (1B) taken at 3 months after vaccination demonstrating dense anterior and posterior subcapsular lens opacities radiating from the center.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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