Will COVID-19 Affect Your Vision?
Like any inoculation against illness, the COVID-19 vaccination brings potential side effects, but they are different for everyone. These are typically mild and signify your immune system is working hard to recognize the virus, so it can protect you. After a COVID-19 vaccination or booster shot, many people experience soreness around the injection site, fatigue, headache, chills, fever, and nausea. These reactions should subside within a few days.
Eye-related symptoms like red, watery, or itchy eyes are rare after a COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, there is no evidence of any vision issues related to the shots.
Skepticism
About 63% of Americans are fully vaccinated, but many others are skeptical about vaccine effectiveness and possible side effects. They question the credibility of the mRNA vaccines, their efficacy, and their safety.
Are There Any Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccines?
It’s inaccurate to say there are no side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, current data shows these concerns lean on factors like the social demographics of the vaccinated.
Vaccination is a way of priming your body to fight the virus if you are exposed to the virus. For the vaccinated people who have experienced side effects, they typically report experiencing flu-like symptoms like:
- Sore arm
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Inflammation of the heart
Post-vaccination aftereffects are generally mild and resolve in one to three days. However, reactions vary from patient to patient.
COVID-19 Vaccines and Your Vision
While COVID-19 vaccines have not warranted concern for eye health and vision, inoculations for other conditions have shown some correlation with eye and vision issues.
Rare Reactions to Johnson & Johnson Vaccination
In rare cases, Johnson & Johnson’s vaccines have resulted in blood clotting, leading to blurry vision. In addition, Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause double vision, may also be a consequence. Reach out to your ophthalmologist immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Eye Problems Connected to Other Vaccines
Though no researchers or patients have reported notable COVID-19 vaccine vision issues, other vaccines like the seasonal flu shot, chickenpox, and measles-mumps-rubella may cause eye-related side effects.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Soreness and pain at the injection area
- Nausea
Chickenpox Vaccine
- Temporary joint pain
- Soreness or rash at the injection site
- Fever
Shingles Vaccine
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Shivers
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Soreness at the injection site
Measles Vaccine
- Scarring of the cornea
- Red and watery eyes
- Retinopathy
- Blindness in children
Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine
- Mild rash
- Fever
- Swollen cheeks
- Joint pain
If you are facing any of the above issues, consult a doctor.
Get Vaccinated and Boosted Today
You can be confident the COVID-19 vaccinations do not trigger any eye-related side effects like double vision, blurred vision, or any other vision-related issues. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a board-certified ophthalmologist.
While medical researchers are still discovering new risks of this novel coronavirus, we know COVID-19 can cause various long-term health issues in multiple organs and systems, including your eyes.
Many are still reluctant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Still, getting vaccinated is beneficial in the long run by slowing viral spread, preventing the emergence of new strains, and protecting you and those around you.
For more information, contact Will Vision and Laser Centers today.