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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents
Published on: September 16, 2020
INTERFERON-β-ASSOCIATED RETINOPATHY
Javier S Martinez de Aragon1, Jose S Pulido, Christopher L Haupert
1From *the Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; †Iowa Retina Consultants, West Des Moines, Iowa; and ‡the Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
Background:
Interferon-associated retinopathy is a rare complication of interferon treatment. It has been well described with the use of interferon-α.
Methods:
This study reports a retrospective case series of interferon-β-associated retinopathy in three patients that were being treated for multiple sclerosis.
Results:
All cases were characterized by cotton-wool spots or peripheral microaneurysms. One central retinal artery occlusion was observed associated with interferon-β treatment. Findings improved spontaneously in two of three cases; all three patients elected to continue interferon treatment.
Conclusion:
Patients being treated with interferon-β should have periodic fundus examinations to determine if they have evidence of interferon-associated retinopathy.
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