The vaccine that promises to provide protection against chickenpox and shingles may actually put the receivers at risk of corneal inflammation, medically known as ‘Keratitis’, a new study has found.
The vaccine, recommended by the World Health Organization, has been in use for over two decades now.
“Keratitis, or inflammation of the clear layer on the front of the eye, is a vision issue that can cause serious complications or even permanent damage to your vision if left untreated,” Frederick Fraunfelder, from the department of ophthalmology at University of Missouri School of Medicine in the US, said.
The study
For the purpose of the study, researchers reviewed the database of previously published articles. The researchers found that 20 cases of Keratitis had a close association with administration of the vaccine. While the symptoms of Keratitis developed within 24 days of vaccination in adults, in pediatric patients that became visible within 14 days.
As the risk of corneal inflammation is quiet rare, the researchers suggested that the regular vaccination should continue in a majority of patients. However, physicians should practice caution and make the patient aware of the possible vision side-effects in patients with a history of eye inflammation.
However, a majority of patients should still be regularly vaccinated against chickenpox and shingles, researchers recommended.
The findings of the study were presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Las Vegas.
