Neuro-Ophthalmologic Symptoms Associated With the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine: A Case Report

Abstract

Multiple neuro-ophthalmological symptoms, such as visual field defects, optic neuritis, and eye movement abnormalities, have been reported with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. It is unknown whether the COVID-19 vaccine can result in similar neuro-ophthalmological symptoms post-vaccination. Here, we describe a case of optic neuritis after the administration of the mRNA COVID-19 Moderna vaccine. A 47-year-old female presented eight days after receiving the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine with impaired vision in the left eye and symptoms consistent with optic neuritis. The patient underwent a workup for infectious etiology, autoimmune diseases, and allergies, which was negative. The patient was treated with a high dose of steroids resulting in the complete resolution of her symptoms. The patient was recommended against the second dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Early detection and treatment of optic neuritis are important to prevent the long-term sequelae of neuritis with impaired vision.

Keywords: coronavirus; covid-19; moderna vaccine; mrna covid-19 vaccine; optic neuritis; sars-cov-2.