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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 7, 2013; 19(45): 8227-8237
Published online Dec 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i45.8227
Published online Dec 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i45.8227
Ophthalmologic complications of antiviral therapy in hepatitis C treatment
Roderick O’Day, Golo Ahlenstiel, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
Roderick O’Day, Mark C Gillies, Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Golo Ahlenstiel, Storr Liver Unit, Westmead Millennium Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
Author contributions: O’Day R and Ahlenstiel G designed the research; O’Day R, Gillies MC and Ahlenstiel G wrote and revised the article.
Supported by National Health and Medical Research Council Project Grant, No. APP1006759 and the Robert W. Storr Bequest to the Sydney Medical Foundation of the University of Sydney to Ahlenstiel G
Correspondence to: Dr. Golo Ahlenstiel, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Westmead Hospital, Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. golo.ahlenstiel@sydney.edu.au
Telephone: +61-2-98457705 Fax: +61-2-96357582
Received: July 19, 2013
Revised: October 13, 2013
Accepted: October 19, 2013
Published online: December 7, 2013
Revised: October 13, 2013
Accepted: October 19, 2013
Published online: December 7, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Interferon-associated retinopathy is usually a benign, transient phenomenon with no lasting impact on visual function. It occurs in approximately 30% of patients receiving antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection. The main risk factors for its development appear to be hypertension and diabetes. Unless a clear benefit to patients can be shown, a screening program for the development of interferon-associated retinopathy is not justified. No conclusive evidence exists for a causal link between it and the atypical adverse events of antiviral therapy, which tend to cause irreversible vision loss.