Vaccine needle prick-related retinal injury

Abstract

A 7-year-old male presented with left eye subconjunctival hemorrhage following injury with a 23-G vaccine needle (COVID-19 vaccine) while playing. Examination revealed a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/30 in the left eye with the presence of localized subconjunctival hemorrhage and trace vitreous hemorrhage with normal intraocular pressure. Peripheral fundus examination revealed the presence of a peripheral retinal tear with an adjacent retinal cyst. A laser barrage was done to the retinal tear, and the patient was kept under close follow-up. On follow-up at 3 months, vision improved to 20/20 with the resolution of vitreous hemorrhage and attached retina. Thus, we report a rare case of retinal tear due to an inefficiently disposed vaccine needle, stating the importance of following occupational safety by the vaccinators as well as other health administrators.