Abstract Details

Optic Neuritis has been reported after COVID-19 infections.

To investigate whether there is an association between Optic Neuritis and COVID-19 vaccination.

89 cases with Optic Neuritis after COVID-19 vaccination and 3 cases after all other vaccinations were reported during COVID-19 vaccination period. The reporting rate of Optic Neuritis cases after COVID-19 vaccination is significantly higher compared to Optic Neuritis after other vaccinations (0.46 vs 0.012 per million vaccination p<0.0001). However, this is within the incidence range reported in the general population. Only 3 and 2 cases of Optic Neuritis were reported after vaccination during and outside the pandemic time period respectively. Using self-controlled and case centered analyses, there is a significant difference in the reporting rate of Optic Neuritis after COVID-19 vaccination between the risk and control period (97.8% vs 0-2.2% p<0.0001). The reporting rate of Optic Neuritis after each vaccine used in USA (Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna) is within the expected incidence range and there was no significant difference between them.

There is no association between Optic Neuritis and COVID-19 vaccination. Although the reporting rate of Optic Neuritis after COVID-19 is significantly higher during the risk period compared to control period and compared to the reporting rate after other vaccines, it is within the expected incidence range. In addition, cases of Optic Neuritis triggered by unreported or undiagnosed demyelination, autoimmunity, infection and neuroinflammation cannot be excluded.