Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine linked to eye problems that could damage vision in new study
Scientists have found that Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine may increase the risk of serious eye damage, potentially leading to loss of sight, according to a recent study.
The new research conducted by Turkish scientists specifically examined how the jab affected patients' corneas - the transparent front part of the eye that lets light in. In 64 subjects, changes in the inner layer of the cornea, known as the endothelium, were measured before receiving the first Pfizer dose and two months after the second.
The results indicated that having two doses of the vaccine led to thicker corneas, fewer endothelial cells in the eye, and more variation in the size of these specialised cells that form the endothelium.
In the short term, these alterations suggest the Pfizer vaccine might temporarily weaken the endothelium, even though patients didn't experience noticeable vision problems during the study. For individuals with healthy eyes, these minor changes likely won't impact vision immediately.
However, scientists stated that if these changes persist for years, they could result in corneal swelling or blurred vision, particularly in those with pre-existing eye conditions or individuals who have undergone a corneal transplant.
A thicker cornea and reduced cell density may contribute to eye conditions like corneal oedema, bullous keratopathy, or corneal decompensation, which can all lead to permanent vision loss in severe cases, especially if left untreated, reports the Express.
The researchers cautioned in the study, published Wednesday (July 16) in the journal Ophthalmic Epidemiology: "The endothelium should be closely monitored in those with a low endothelial count or who have had a corneal graft."
Nevertheless, the team did not advise against the Pfizer jab and will still require long-term studies on additional patients' vision to determine if these alterations persist months and years following the injections.
A representative from Pfizer UK stated they regarded the findings "very seriously".
In a statement to the Express, they said: "Patient safety is paramount and we take any reports of adverse events very seriously. Adverse event reports do not imply causality, and in the context of vaccination such events may be unrelated to administration of the vaccine.
"Hundreds of millions of doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine have been administered globally and the benefit-risk profile of the vaccine remains positive for all authorised indications and age groups.
"As with every medicine and vaccine, including the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer has robust processes to meet its regulatory responsibilities to closely monitor, report and analyse all adverse events, and collect relevant information to assess any new potential safety risks that may be associated with the COVID-19 vaccine."
Pfizer said as well as their pharmacovigilance efforts and compliance with regulatory requirements related to quality and safety, they also work with regulatory authorities to independently monitor the safety profile of the vaccine.
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In any case, patients who receive the COVID-19 vaccine "should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse if they have any concerns or experience any side effects" - including any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet.
"As with all medicines and vaccines... Pfizer has stringent procedures in place to fulfil its regulatory obligations to closely monitor, report, and analyse all adverse events, as well as gather pertinent information to evaluate any new potential safety risks that may be associated with the COVID-19 vaccine," the spokesperson added.
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