Certain eye related symptoms like red eyes, pain in the eyeballs or watery eyes were found, but these symptoms are very unusual and cannot be stated as an effect of COVID-19 vaccination yet. Currently, there's no evidence that any of the available COVID-19 vaccines cause widespread vision-related side effects.
We all know that the end of 2019 marked the start of an era no one will forget, where coronavirus or ‘COVID-19’ was introduced to the whole world. This deadly virus enters your body when you come in close contact with an infected person. The virus enters through your mouth, eyes, or nose. Once infected, you will experience flu or hay fever like symptoms; however, you can always spot the difference between COVID-19 and hay fever.
Thanks to the vaccination drive, about 67.9% of the people are fully vaccinated in the U.K. However, not everyone wants to opt for the vaccine. Some people question the credibility of the vaccines developed and hence, are very sceptical about getting the COVID-19 vaccination.
Uprise of COVID-19
Coronavirus setback the world and came at the cost of a lot of losses. Cheers to our brilliant scientists and doctors who worked so hard to develop vaccines to save millions of lives. Finally, all their hard work paid off with the release of coronavirus vaccines worldwide.
The COVID-19 vaccines currently approved for use in the UK are:
- Moderna vaccine
- Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine
- Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
- Janssen vaccine (available later this year)
Today, 2.98 billion people are fully vaccinated throughout the world, yet many are still sceptical about how effective the vaccines will be. Many people still question the credibility of the coronavirus vaccines. However, it did not stop most people from getting vaccinated with the available Covid vaccines worldwide.
What are the common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
It will be a big lie if someone says there are no side effects of any Covid vaccines. Well, current data and observations show that the side effects of Covid vaccines depend on factors like the type of vaccine used and the socio-demographics of the recipient.
Vaccination is a way of preparing your body to fight the virus if it’s infected. Currently, about 67.9% of people have been fully vaccinated in the U.K. One out of every ten people show side effects of the Covid vaccine. According to the NHS, the after-effect of the vaccine shows flu-like short period illness. It includes the following reactions:
- Sore arm
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Myalgia (muscle aches)
- Chills
- Arthralgia (joint pains)
- Fever
- Inflammation of the heart (rare)
It is absolutely normal to experience the side effects post-vaccination. It is seen that the reactions mentioned above usually resolve in 2-3 days after the vaccination. Different people will have different reactions. It is essential to understand that not everyone will have all the side effects of the Covid vaccine.
COVID vaccines and vision
Not many concerning cases are reported relating to the effect of the Covid vaccine on vision. While the COVID-19 vaccines have, so far, not caused notable side effects related to vision, vaccines for several other conditions have been linked to eye and vision problems.
Rare reactions to Johnson & Johnson vaccination
Post vaccination (Johnson & Johnson), it is very rare that the recipient develops a blood clotting condition called TTS, which might lead to blurry vision. Another condition named Guillain-Barre syndrome is also noticed which can cause eye related concerns like double vision. It is advised to reach out to a doctor immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms of TTS or Guillain-Bare syndrome. Blurry vision can be a sign of TTS, along with several other symptoms.
Eye problems connected to other vaccines
Although, no notable side effects of COVID-19 vaccine on the vision have been found yet. Other flu vaccines like seasonal flu-shots, Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and chickenpox vaccines can cause vision and/or eye related side effects.
Seasonal Flu vaccine
- Headache
- Soreness and pain at injection area
- Fever
- Nausea
- Muscle ache
Chickenpox vaccine
- Joint pain (temporary)
- Soreness/ rash at injection spot
- Temperature
Shingles vaccine
- Fever
- Muscle ache
- Headache
- Shivers
- Stomach ache and nausea
- Tiredness
- Soreness at injection spot
Measles vaccine
- Red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Keratitis and scarring of the cornea
- Retinopathy
- Childhood blindness
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Fever
- Mild rash
- Swollen cheek
- Temporary joint Pain
If you are facing any of the above problems, it is advised to consult a doctor.
Conclusion
In summation, it can be said that the common symptoms of COVID-19 vaccination so far do not triggers side effects like blurred vision or any other vision-related issues.
However, if you are developing blurry vision, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist. Sudden blurry vision should be treated as an emergency. On the contrary, mild blurry vision might be the result of fatigue or computer eye strain. Whether mild or sudden, an eye check-up is strongly recommended. You might be eligible for a free eye test too. Your optician can tell you the root cause of the blurred vision. They can best prescribe you with suitable optical aid including contact lenses like monthly contacts or daily disposable contact lenses. You can check your eligibility through free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers page.
Nevertheless, the list of reactions stated by the NHS does not include any issues related to eyes or vision post Covid vaccination. This can be called good news that coronavirus vaccination does not affect vision for most people.
Many people are still reluctant to receive their vaccinations. Fearing the after-effects of the vaccine is just one of a few possible reasons. One should not be reluctant in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Regardless of the side effects, getting vaccinated is immensely beneficial for everyone in the long run. It will protect you as well as the people around you.
Book your vaccination today. Protect yourself, protect everyone by getting vaccinated against COVID-19!
