Study Links Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to Temporary Changes in Eye Health
A recent scientific study suggests that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may cause short-term changes in the eye’s cornea, potentially increasing the risk of vision-related complications—especially for individuals with pre-existing eye conditions.
Corneal Health and the Pfizer Vaccine
Researchers in Turkey studied 64 individuals before and after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to evaluate how the vaccine affects the corneal endothelium—the thin inner layer of cells responsible for keeping the cornea clear and regulating fluid.
Key findings included:
Corneal thickening: Average corneal thickness increased from 528 to 542 micrometers—a 2% rise.
Endothelial cell loss: Cell density dropped from 2,597 to 2,378 cells per mm²—an 8% decrease.
Cell shape variation: Fewer cells maintained their healthy hexagonal shape (dropping from 50% to 48%), and there was increased size variation among cells.
These changes could signal temporary stress or inflammation in the cornea. While no participants experienced vision loss during the study, the findings raise questions about long-term eye health following vaccination.
What Is the Corneal Endothelium?
The endothelium is a critical part of the eye, composed of specialized cells that maintain corneal clarity by pumping out excess fluid. These cells do not regenerate, so damage or loss is permanent.
A healthy adult typically has 2,000–3,000 endothelial cells per mm². A drop below this range can lead to eye conditions such as:
Corneal edema
Bullous keratopathy
Corneal decompensation
These conditions can cause blurred vision, eye discomfort, and even permanent vision loss if untreated.
Who Is at Risk?
While the observed changes were minor and not immediately harmful, individuals with:
Previous eye surgeries
Corneal transplants
Eye diseases such as Fuchs’ dystrophy
Naturally low endothelial cell counts
may face a greater risk if corneal stress persists after vaccination.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers used advanced imaging tools:
Sirius corneal topography to assess thickness and shape.
Tomey EM-4000 specular microscopy to analyze cell count and structure.
All participants received full eye exams before and after two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Follow-ups occurred approximately 75 days after the second dose.
Is the Pfizer Vaccine Safe for the Eyes?
The study did not recommend against vaccination, emphasizing the need for further long-term research. The researchers noted that the changes might be transient and could resolve over time without causing permanent damage.
Eye Symptoms to Watch For
If you recently received a COVID-19 vaccine and experience:
Blurry vision
Eye pain
Discomfort or dryness
it’s recommended to visit an ophthalmologist. A simple specular microscopy test can check the health of your corneal cells.
Broader Safety Concerns Around COVID-19 Vaccines
This study adds to ongoing discussions about rare side effects from COVID-19 vaccines. In May, the FDA expanded its warning labels for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, noting risks of myocarditis and pericarditis, particularly in men aged 16–25.
As research continues, both short- and long-term safety profiles of COVID-19 vaccines will be closely monitored.
