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Optical quality changes of the eye during peak SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in young adults

He Tian, Qian Fan, Wen-Jing Gao, Yan Wang

Heliyon, 2024

110 participants

Abstract

Introduction To determine whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection affects corneal morphology and optical quality. Methods In this cross-sectional study, ophthalmological indicators were examined during the peak of SARS-CoV-2 infection after adjusting for public health control measures. Participants were divided into control (remained uninfected), A (infected during follow-up), and B (infected prior to the first consultation) groups. Effects of varying SARS-CoV-2 infection levels were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Changes in corneal morphology, backscatter, and aberrations were measured. Corneal parameters, such as flat keratometry, steep keratometry, and surface variance, vertical asymmetry, height asymmetry, and height decentration indices were considered. Results Overall, 110 participants (208 eyes, 42.7 % male; age 17–31 years) were enrolled. Eighteen (16.3 %) were infection-free during the outbreak with unchanged corneal morphology, backscatter, and aberration. In group A, 34.73 ± 9.30 days after infection, the backscatter of the anterior corneal layer and central layer (both p = 0.000) decreased. Total low-order aberration, defocus, horizontal coma, and spherical aberration of the cornea increased (p 0.05). In group B, a decrease in backscattering in the corneal middle layer and an increase in horizontal coma (p < 0.05) were noted. Conclusion Backscattering of the anterior and intermediate layers…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 110 participants or records.

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