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Treatment and non-treatment related ocular manifestations in patients with chronic hepatitis B or C

A Tsoumani1, V Theopistos, K Katsanos

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. vasileios.theopistos@gmail.com

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|May 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections can cause serious eye problems. Reviewing the literature reveals dry eye syndrome and retinopathy as key ocular manifestations, with potential links to HBV vaccines and uveitis.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections affect millions globally.
  • Beyond liver damage, these viral infections can lead to significant extrahepatic manifestations.
  • Ocular complications are increasingly recognized in both HBV and HCV infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the ocular manifestations associated with HBV and HCV infections.
  • To examine eye conditions resulting from chronic hepatitis viral infections or their therapies.
  • To consolidate current knowledge on hepatitis-related eye diseases.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed.
  • Keywords included "hepatitis," "ocular," and "eye."
  • The review focused on studies detailing ocular symptoms linked to HBV and HCV.

Main Results:

  • HCV infection is associated with dry eye syndrome (similar to Sjögren's syndrome) and ischemic retinopathy.
  • Retinopathy can result from HCV-induced vasculitis or interferon therapy.
  • HBV infection primarily presents with dry eye syndrome; other serious ocular manifestations are rare.
  • Potential links between HBV vaccination and uveitis warrant further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Ocular manifestations of HCV are well-documented, including dry eye and retinopathy.
  • HBV infection is less commonly associated with severe ocular issues, mainly dry eye.
  • The potential association between HBV vaccines and uveitis requires careful consideration and further research.
Abstract

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