Refractive error changes and associated asthenopia observed after COVID-19 infection: Case reports from two continents

Abstract

COVID-19 infection has been linked to various ocular complications and complaints, but not to refractive errors. In this case report, we present ethnically diverse patients who reported asthenopic symptoms shortly after recovering from COVID-19 infection. The hyperopic shift in the refractive error, post-COVID could indicate the ciliary body muscle’s inability to sustain accommodation, resulting in asthenopia. Hence, refractive errors should also be considered as a post-COVID complication, even if the magnitude is small, especially when patients have a headache and other asthenopic symptoms. Performing dynamic retinoscopy and cycloplegic refraction will also aid in the better management of these patients.