Study of Retinal Blood Flow and Nerve Function in Adults After COVID-19 Infection, Long COVID, and Healthy Controls

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying retinal neurovascular coupling and blood flow in adults who have recovered from COVID-19, those with long COVID-19, and healthy individuals matched by age and sex. The study aims to understand if COVID-19 causes lasting changes in the retina, which reflects brain and vascular health, since COVID-19 affects both the nervous system and blood vessels. This research evaluates retinal vessel responses to flicker light and assesses structural and functional retinal changes. Participants will be divided into three groups those previously infected with COVID-19, those with long COVID-19 per WHO guidelines, and healthy controls without a history of COVID-19. Retinal neurovascular coupling, vessel diameters, and oxygen saturation will be measured using the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer. Retinal blood velocities and flow will be assessed with Fourier domain optical coherence tomography. Other devices like optical coherence tomography and laser speckle flowgraphy will measure retinal thickness, vessel density, and blood flow parameters. Proteomics and metabolites will be analyzed from blood, tear fluid, and finger sweat samples. During the study visit, participants will undergo various retinal imaging and blood flow measurements, including retinal vessel response to flicker light, oxygen saturation, and retinal thickness assessment. Proteomics and metabolite levels will be collected before and during the visit. Researchers will monitor retinal neurovascular coupling as the primary outcome and evaluate secondary measures such as vessel diameters, blood flow, and retinal structure. The study includes healthy volunteers aged 18 and older, with assessments conducted on one day.

Retinal Neurovascular Coupling in Patients Previously Infected With COVID-19