As scientists investigate the link between increasing cases of microcephaly and Zika, a new risk associated with the virus could threaten the health of babies.
Researchers at Stanford University in the United States observed abnormal bleeding and lesions in three newborns whose mothers had been infected with Zika during pregnancy. These three babies with these eye problems all suffered from microcephaly, this neonatal malformation marked by an abnormally small head and insufficient brain growth.
Therefore, scientists wonder: are these eye conditions a complication of microcephaly or a side effect of the Zika virus? The observation of the American researchers appeared in the Journal of ophthalmology.
The disorders found in the babies concerned the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This showed abnormal blood vessel growth, bleeding and torpedo-shaped lesions.
possible blindness
Dr. Darius Moshfeghi from Stanford University suggests determining the exact origin of these eye disorders, namely Zika infection or microcephaly. He recommends visual examination of all babies born to mothers infected with Zika.
As for the impact on eye health, the researcher believes that these problems can be of varying severity. It is possible that they can cause irreversible loss of vision in some cases.
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