Retinopathy associated with interferon therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus

PURPOSE: To evaluate retinopathy associated with interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: One hundred patients with chronic hepatitis C undergoing interferon therapy were examined for the presence of cotton wool spots, retinal hemorrhages, cystoid macular edema, capillary non-perfusion, and arteriolar occlusion. Complete ophthalmological examination including indirect ophthalmoscopic fundus examination was carried out for all patients and colored fundus photography and fluorescein angiography were carried out for the patients with positive fundus findings. The follow-up period was 9 months. RESULTS: Sixteen percent of patients developed retinopathy in the form of cotton wool spots, retinal hemorrhages, cystoid macular edema, and capillary non-perfusion. CONCLUSION: Interferon therapy can lead to retinopathy which is mostly reversible and dose related. Periodic fundoscopic examinations help in early detection and prevent progression to permanent visual loss.