Sudden visual loss after COVID-19 infection with diabetic ketoacidosis

We report a case of an atypical optic neuritis (AION) in an adolescent male, diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis in the setting of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. On the third day of admission, he developed sudden profound visual loss and ocular examination revealed bilateral pale disc edema. Examination and investigations were conclusive of bilateral optic neuritis. Optic neuritis in the setting of pale disc edema was unusual, and the pallor could be due to an episode of AION that was superadded by optic neuritis during the cytokine storm. The patient was given a trial of i.v. steroids. However, the vision loss could be recovered partially only. Thus, through this case report, we would like to highlight the importance of a close follow-up of patients following COVID-19 infection and a possible association of metabolic acidosis in precipitating the episode of optic neuritis.