Multiprofessional Neurorehabilitation After COVID-19 Infection Should Include Assessment of Visual Function.

• OBJECTIVE: To report vision-related symptoms and neuro-visual clinical signs in patients approximately 4 months after discharge from hospitalization after COVID-19 infection. To report on coexisting functional and activity limitations.DESIGN: The study is part of an ambidirectional population-based cohort study.SETTING: An outpatient setting in a hospital environment.PARTICIPANTS: Patients from a population-based cohort study including all patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to hospital during a 3-month period in a health care region in Sweden. Among patients who, based on a standardized telephone interview, were identified as having persisting rehabilitation needs 4 months after discharge (n=185), several (n=57) reported vision-related symptoms. All 57 patients were invited to a neuro-visual examination. Six patients declined, 6 were unavailable, and 3 did not fulfil the inclusion criteria. Thus, 42 patients were included in the analysis (N=42).INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Vision-related symptoms, neuro-visual function, and coexisting impairments affecting activities of daily life and participation.RESULTS: A total of 31% of patients with rehabilitation needs after COVID-19 reported vision-related symptoms. Reading-related issues (73.8%), blurry vision (69.0%), and light sensitivity (66.7%) were the most common symptoms. Patients with reading-related issues showed a higher level of eye strain (P<.001). Neuro-visual deficits were found in 83.3% of the patients, mainly concerning eye teaming (23.1%-66.7%) and eye movement (28.6%-30.8%) functions. Patients with vision-related symptoms reported fatigue and 18 other coexisting symptoms to a greater extent (P≤.0001 to .049).CONCLUSIONS: Neuro-visual symptoms and signs should be considered when assessing rehabilitation needs after COVID-19. The association between vision-related issues and coexisting symptoms with an effect on body function and activity and/or participation underlines the need for multiprofessional rehabilitation assessment and intervention.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Neurologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Neurology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Oftalmologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Ophthalmology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

ABI

acquired brain injury

CISS

Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey

CPS

Clinical Progression Scale

Covid-19

NRS

numeric rating scale

Ocular

Optometry

Rehabilitation

VI

Vision Interview

VOR

vestibular ocular reflex

VV

visual vertigo

Vision

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)