Optic neuropathy associated with dengue fever

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Ocular complications of dengue fever are uncommon but can be severe.
• Optic neuropathy is a potential neurological complication affecting vision.

Observation:

• This case series reports on three patients diagnosed with dengue fever who developed optic neuropathy.
• Patients presented with unilateral blurred vision within a week of dengue diagnosis.
• Visual acuity varied significantly, with two patients exhibiting bilateral ocular signs.

Findings:

• Presenting visual acuities ranged from counting fingers to 6/6.
• Outcomes included partial recovery (6/9), severe vision loss (no light perception), and no change.
• The findings highlight the unpredictable nature of visual recovery in dengue-associated optic neuropathy.

Implications:

• Optic neuropathy is a serious complication of dengue fever that requires prompt recognition.
• Early detection and management may influence visual outcomes.
• This condition underscores the importance of ophthalmological evaluation in patients with neurological symptoms post-dengue infection.