The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence and outcome of retinopathy in chronic hepatitis C patients treated
with peginterferon and ribavirin. A total of 74 hepatitis C patients with baseline eye exams and eye exams during therapy
were included. Retinopathy was defined as development of cotton wool spots and/or intra-retinal hemorrhage. Demographics,
hepatitis C viral characteristics, treatment and laboratory data, and eye exam findings were compared in groups with and without
retinopathy. Retinopathy developed in 28 (38%), early in therapy. Pre-treatment eye exams did not predict risk of retinopathy.
Therapy was continued in all but one; cotton wool spots resolved in 24 of 26. All nine patients with intra-retinal hemorrhage
had resolution. No patient had retinopathy-related visual deterioration. Retinopathy is common with peginterferon therapy,
but the outcome is favorable. Cessation of therapy for retinopathy is not warranted. Severe visual disturbances and scotomas
deserve further evaluation.
Keywords Chronic hepatitis C - Pegylated interferon - Peginterferon - Retinopathy - Cotton wool spots - Intra-retinal hemorrhage - Complications of peginterferon therapy