Bilateral optic neuritis with complete ophthalmoplegia: An extremely rare complication following COVID-19 (Covishield) vaccination

Abstract

A 35-year-old healthy female presented with decreased vision, headache, painful and restricted ocular movement 5 days following the second dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Covishield) vaccination. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 6/36 in both eyes, and color vision was defective. Dilated fundus showed bilateral disc edema. She developed complete ophthalmoplegia 2 days following initial presentation. Imaging studies and systemic investigations were normal. She was treated with systemic corticosteroids. Complete recovery was noted 1 month following presentation. It is critical to raise awareness about the different complication following different COVID vaccinations, but equally important is a timely and justified treatment which would lead to complete recovery.