Visual Fields in Epidemic Retinitis

ABSTRACT

Aim

The aim of the study is to analyze visual fields defects (VFDs) in epidemic retinitis (ER).

Methods

Patients with ER and Humphrey’s visual field (HFA) 30–2 performed after resolution were studied. VFD severity grading was performed. Patients treated with oral doxycycline (Group-A) versus doxycycline-steroids (group-B) were compared.

Results

Thirty-five eyes of 25 patients were studied. Nasal, inferior, temporal and central VFD were seen in 19 (54.2%), 13 (37.1%), 7 (20%) and 6 (17.1%) eyes, respectively. Grade 0, 1, 2 and 3 VFDs were seen in 4 (11.4%), 15 (42.8%), 12 (34.2%) and 4 (11.4%) eyes respectively. Seven eyes with ≥1 year of follow-up post-resolution also showed grade 0–3 scotomas. Mean severity of scotoma was grade 1.15 (Median: 1) and 1.42 (Median: 1.5) in groups A (n = 13) and B (n = 14), respectively (p = .637).

Conclusion

ER can cause VFD persisting long after resolution. Treatment with oral doxycycline without steroids was non-inferior to combined treatment with respect to VFD.

KEYWORDS:

• Doxycycline
• epidemic retinitis
• HFA
• post-fever retinitis
• steroid
• visual fields

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.