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Bilateral choroidal neovascularization after pegylated interferon therapy
Pir Salim Mahar1, Abdul Sami Memon2
1Department of Ophthalmology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. / Department of Ophthalmology, Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Karachi.
Summary
Interferon alpha treatment for hepatitis C can cause simultaneous choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in both eyes, a rare ocular complication. This finding highlights a potential risk associated with interferon therapy, impacting patient vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatitis C is a significant global health concern.
- Interferon alpha has been a primary treatment for Hepatitis C.
- Ocular side effects of systemic medications require careful monitoring.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old male patient experienced decreased vision in both eyes post-interferon alpha therapy for Hepatitis C.
- Ocular examinations included visual acuity, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FFA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
- Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) was 6/18 (right eye) and 6/12 (left eye).
Findings:
- Anterior segments and intraocular pressure (IOP) were normal.
- Fundus examinations revealed bilateral choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
- CNV was confirmed by FFA and OCT, representing a novel simultaneous bilateral presentation.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential link between interferon alpha and bilateral CNV.
- Simultaneous bilateral CNV is a previously unreported adverse effect.
- Ophthalmologists should consider interferon-induced ocular toxicity in patients with unexplained vision loss.
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