Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome following COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Two Patients.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe two cases of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) occurring after administration of COVID-19 vaccine. STUDY DESIGN: Case Report. RESULTS: Two patients presented soon after receiving their second-dose of the BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine with findings consistent with MEWDS. Due to the significant reduction in vision, patients were treated with a short dose of oral corticosteroids. Both had complete resolution of their symptoms, visual acuity and retinal findings. CONCLUSIONS: The onset of inflammatory ocular adverse events following COVID-19 vaccinations suggest a maladaptive inflammatory response triggered by the vaccine. Onset of symptoms after COVID-19 vaccinations should prompt the ophthalmologist to assess for these rare adverse events. Despite the extremely rare occurrences of ocular adverse events, we unequivocally recommend that patients receive the full vaccine due to the vast benefit for both individuals and society that far outweighs the inconsiderable risk of harm.