[Interferon-associated retinopathy].

ABSTRACT

During interferon (IFN) treatment for chronic hepatitis C, retinopathy develops in about one half of the patients. This "IFN-associated retinopathy" is characterized by cotton-wool spots (ischemic lesions) and superficial hemorrhage around the optic disc. It usually occurs 1 to 3 months after initiation of IFN therapy. Most of the patients with retinopathy have no symptoms, while some complain of impairment of visual acuity or flying specks. IFN-associated retinopathy tends to improve without any ophthalmic treatment and IFN therapy can be continued under careful observation. A complication of diabetes mellitus or a decrease in platelet count during IFN treatment may aggravate IFN-associated retinopathy. We emphasize that careful ophthalmologic follow-up is needed for all patients under IFN therapy.