Health

Pfizer COVID Jab Linked to Eye Damage New Study Suggests Worrying Risk to Vision

Published on July 21, 2025

Scientists have reportedly raised fresh concerns about Pfizer’s COVID-19 jab after a new study suggested it could potentially damage the eyes in ways that might lead to long-term vision issues.

The research, carried out by a team in Turkey, looked into how the vaccine might be affecting the cornea — the clear layer at the front of the eye that helps focus light. They studied 64 people, examining their eyes before they got their first Pfizer dose and again two months after their second.

What they found was that the cornea became thicker, and there were fewer endothelial cells — the ones lining the inside of the cornea — than before. There was also more variation in the size of these cells, which isn’t a great sign. In simple terms, it suggests that the inner layer of the cornea might be weakened temporarily after getting the jab.

Now, these changes didn’t cause any major vision problems in the short term. Most people with healthy eyes probably won’t notice anything at all. But the researchers said that if these changes stick around for the long haul, it could be a different story.

Long-term, they warned this could mean swelling or blurring of vision, especially for people who already have eye conditions or have had corneal transplants. Conditions like corneal oedema or bullous keratopathy could be triggered, both of which can seriously impact sight and, in extreme cases, even cause permanent vision loss if untreated.

The researchers, whose study was published in the journal Ophthalmic Epidemiology, stressed the need for ongoing monitoring. They said: “The endothelium should be closely monitored in those with a low endothelial count or who have had a corneal graft.”

Despite these worrying findings, the scientists aren’t suggesting people avoid the Pfizer vaccine. They’re calling for more long-term studies with a larger group of participants to see if the corneal changes persist over time or if the eye naturally bounces back.

Pfizer UK has responded to the findings, saying they’re taking the report “very seriously”. A spokesperson told the Express: “Patient safety is paramount and we take any reports of adverse events very seriously. Adverse event reports do not imply causality, and in the context of vaccination such events may be unrelated to administration of the vaccine.”

They pointed out that hundreds of millions of doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine have been given globally and that the overall benefits still outweigh the risks for all age groups and approved uses.

Pfizer added that they have strong systems in place to keep an eye on any new safety issues. They also said they work with health authorities worldwide, who carry out their own independent monitoring of the vaccine’s safety.

The advice remains the same — if you’ve had the jab and notice anything odd with your vision or experience any other side effects, speak to your GP, pharmacist or nurse. They can help figure out whether it’s something to worry about and what steps to take next.

So while the findings are certainly something to keep an eye on, experts agree there’s no need to panic just yet. But they’re watching closely to see if this potential risk to our vision becomes a bigger concern over time.

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