Spectrum of ophthalmic manifestations in monkeypox virus infection worldwide: Systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Heliyon 2023-08, Vol.9 (8), p.e18561-e18561, Article e18561
• Main Authors: Rojas-Carabali, William, Cifuentes-González, Carlos, Agrawal, Rupesh, de-la-Torre, Alejandra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Monkeypox virus; Mpox; Mpox virus; Ocular infection; Ocular inflammation; Ophthalmology; Review; Uveitis, Scleritis, Conjunctivitis, Treatment
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18561

Mpox virus infection is a significant public health concern worldwide due to its potential severity and the likelihood of outbreaks occurring across different regions. Ophthalmic manifestations of the disease have been linked with more severe cases, leading to the need for hospitalization and antiviral therapy. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines to summarize the literature available on this topic. The review revealed that ophthalmic manifestations, such as conjunctivitis and periocular umbilicated lesions, are the most common in Mpox virus infections. However, severe manifestations, such as corneal opacity, that can potentially cause blindness may also occur. Antiviral treatment with tecovirimat and topical management for conjunctivitis can be considered for severe cases. However, the evidence quality is poor due to the predominance of case reports and imprecise characterization of the ophthalmic manifestations. Overall, ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals should be aware of these manifestations for early diagnosis and timely treatment. •Mpox virus infection mainly affects the ocular surface and eyelids.•Ocular mpox is related to visual morbidity in young patients.•Ocular mpox is considered a predictive factor for a worse prognosis in the disease.•Tecovirimat is the most used treatment for severe cases of mpox.