Experiencing Visual Disturbances After COVID-19 Recovery: What to Know

Q: Experiencing Visual Disturbances After COVID-19 Recovery: What to Know

Hello： 1. <br>There is a possibility, but further examination and evaluation are needed to confirm. <br>If you have experienced head trauma, a stroke, or brain surgery, it could potentially lead to nerve damage or sequelae that may affect the visual system. <br>However, it cannot

Objects appear to be slightly shaking?

Hello Doctor, I recently tested positive for COVID-19 and after recovering for a week, I started to experience slight lateral movement in my vision, making it difficult to focus, especially when looking at screens.
My symptoms are not episodic; they persist 24 hours a day since I wake up, and it’s not a spinning sensation but rather a slight wobbling in my visual field.
Although those around me say my eyeballs don’t seem to be moving, I genuinely feel like what I see is moving, especially when still.
It doesn’t seem to be an issue with my ears or vestibular system.
This situation has lasted for a week, and I am very anxious.
Information online suggests that nystagmus is generally untreatable, and that acquired cases have a high probability of being due to central nervous system disorders.

Additional information: My vision in both eyes is less than 0.1, with corrected vision of 0.5 in the left eye and 0.3 in the right eye, along with high myopia and astigmatism.
Recently, I have been experiencing severe dryness in my eyes.
I have already made an appointment at a large hospital, but the outpatient clinic is booked until the end of March, which makes me extremely anxious.
I am unable to eat or sleep well, so I wanted to ask you…
1.
Is it possible that this is a post-viral syndrome causing nerve damage (mild symptoms but severe brain fog after recovery)?
2.
How is nystagmus clinically assessed? Can it be detected with a direct fundus examination? Last week, I visited a clinic due to dry and painful eyes, but I didn’t mention the issue of visual wobbling (at that time, my eyes hurt so much that I couldn’t properly assess the symptoms).
The doctor did perform a fundus examination but did not mention any nystagmus.
3.
Is it treatable? Are there any current methods to improve this condition? I am really very anxious.
Thank you, Doctor!

HHHSN, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/23

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: 1.
There is a possibility, but further examination and evaluation are needed to confirm.
If you have experienced head trauma, a stroke, or brain surgery, it could potentially lead to nerve damage or sequelae that may affect the visual system.
However, it cannot be determined whether it is caused by COVID-19.
2.
Ocular oscillation can be diagnosed through specialized tests, such as eye movement tests (oculomotor assessments) and electrophysiological tests.
The presence of oscillation can be detected by observing whether the images seen through an ophthalmoscope appear to shake.
3.
Treatment methods depend on the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Therefore, it is advisable to seek help from a qualified physician as soon as possible to determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Feeling anxious is normal, but there is no need to worry excessively; this may just be a temporary phenomenon.
During the waiting period for your appointment, it is important to maintain a normal lifestyle.

Reply Date: 2023/02/23

More Info

Experiencing visual disturbances after recovering from COVID-19 can be concerning, especially when symptoms like persistent blurriness or a sensation of movement in your visual field arise. These symptoms may indeed be linked to neurological effects of the virus, which has been documented in various studies. Let's break down your concerns and provide some insights based on current medical understanding.

1. Possible Neurological Aftereffects: It is plausible that the symptoms you are experiencing could be related to neurological aftereffects of COVID-19. Some patients report lingering symptoms, often referred to as "long COVID," which can include cognitive difficulties (often described as "brain fog"), fatigue, and visual disturbances. The virus can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as the ones you describe. While your symptoms are not typical of classic vertigo or vestibular disorders, they could still indicate some form of neurological involvement.
2. Diagnosis of Nystagmus: Nystagmus, or involuntary eye movement, can be diagnosed through specific clinical tests. While a fundoscopic exam (using an ophthalmoscope to look at the back of the eye) can provide information about the health of the retina and optic nerve, it does not directly assess eye movement. Tests such as videonystagmography (VNG) or electronystagmography (ENG) are more appropriate for evaluating nystagmus. These tests measure the movements of your eyes in response to visual stimuli and can help determine if there is any abnormal eye movement. If you have not yet discussed these specific tests with your healthcare provider, it may be worth bringing them up during your next appointment.

3. Treatment and Management: The treatment for visual disturbances post-COVID-19 largely depends on the underlying cause. If your symptoms are indeed related to neurological changes, management may involve a multidisciplinary approach, including neurologists, ophthalmologists, and possibly rehabilitation specialists. There are therapies available that can help improve visual function and reduce symptoms. For instance, vision therapy may be beneficial in retraining the brain and eyes to work together more effectively. Additionally, addressing any underlying conditions, such as dry eyes or refractive errors, can also improve overall visual comfort.

4. Coping with Anxiety: It’s understandable to feel anxious about these symptoms, especially when they disrupt your daily life. While waiting for your appointment, consider engaging in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises to help manage anxiety. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper hydration, nutrition, and sleep hygiene, can also support your overall well-being during this time.

5. Follow-Up Care: Since you mentioned that you have an appointment scheduled for late March, it’s crucial to keep that appointment and communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare provider. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, while your symptoms may be distressing, they are not uncommon among those recovering from COVID-19. With appropriate evaluation and management, there is potential for improvement. Stay proactive about your health, and ensure you have a supportive network to help you through this recovery phase.

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