Interferon-associated retinopathy

Arch Ophthalmol. 1993 Mar;111(3):350-6. doi: 10.1001/archopht.1993.01090030068041.

Abstract

Interferon alfa is used to treat various systemic disorders and recently has been suggested as a possible treatment for choroidal neovascularization. We report 10 cases of retinal ischemia associated with the use of interferon alfa for various illnesses. The retinal findings include cotton-wool spot formation, capillary nonperfusion, arteriolar occlusion, and hemorrhage. The retinal complications may sometimes be reversible when treatment is stopped. Our findings emphasize the need to have patients who are receiving interferon alfa therapy monitored for these retinal complications, which may rarely be associated with permanent loss of vision secondary to closure of retinal capillaries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Eye Diseases / therapy
  • Eye Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Interferon Type I / adverse effects*
  • Interferon Type I / therapeutic use
  • Ischemia / chemically induced
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Retinal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Retinal Vessels / drug effects
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Interferon Type I
  • Recombinant Proteins