Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine May Lead to Vision Loss

Carried out by scientists in Turkey, this study found that Pfizer’s COVID-19 mRNA vaccine may temporarily affect the health of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. Published in the Ophthalmic Epidemiology journal, the study involved 64 participants who underwent eye exams before and roughly 75 days after receiving their second Pfizer dose. The researchers focused on the corneal endothelium, the thin inner layer of cells responsible for keeping the cornea clear, and noted several structural changes following vaccination.

The study revealed a decrease in the number of endothelial cells and a slight thickening of the cornea – from 528 to 542 micrometers – after the second dose. The drop in cell count and increased corneal thickness suggest that the vaccine may exert temporary stress on the eye. These changes are not considered dangerous for people with healthy eyes but could pose risks for those with prior eye conditions, corneal transplants, or naturally low endothelial counts.Persistent endothelial damage could potentially lead to more serious complications such as corneal edema or vision loss.

To read how the Pfizer COVID-19 mRNA vaccine has been shown to be more likely to cause serious adverse events than prevent hospitalization, see this article on our website.