Varicella zoster virus-associated neuroretinitis

Varicella zoster virus-associated neuroretinitis is rare. We report a patient who presented with blurred vision of the left eye and extraocular movement pain. A fundoscopic examination revealed disc edema, hyperemia, and macular edema. The impression was neuroretinitis. Intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy was administered. However, visual recovery was incomplete with optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging showing photoreceptor layer disruption. The laboratory data were rechecked and demonstrated a high varicella zoster virus immunoglobulin G titer. Varicella zoster virus-associated neuroretinitis was suspected and oral acyclovir was prescribed. His visual acuity improved to 0.9 after 2 weeks of treatment, and OCT showed photoreceptor layer restoration. Spectrum-domain OCT provides useful information when evaluating the disease course of neuroretinitis.