Use of Imaging Technology to Assess the Effect of COVID-19 on Retinal Tissues: A Systematic Review.

The total number of studies included in this review was 32. Optical coherence tomography angiography scans show reduced central retinal vascular density, a thinner ganglion cell layer, a thicker retinal nerve fibre layer, and an enlarged foveal avascular zone. Optical coherence tomography scans demonstrate a thicker central macular thickness and other changes to the macula, ganglion cell, and inner nuclear layers. Many fundus photographs depicted cotton wool spots, microhaemorrhages, and vascular occlusions. Non-invasive imaging technology has demonstrated that COVID-19 can profoundly affect the retina. Therefore, there is a requirement for long-term follow-up of COVID-19 patients to assess whether the retinal damage caused by COVID-19 is reversible.