Retinopathy in chronic hepatitis C patients during interferon treatment with ribavirin

Aim-To assess the ocular effect of interferon alfa 2b prescribed with ribav irin in patients undergoing therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Methods-19 patients with chronic hepatitis C who satisfied the follow up cr iteria were assessed for ocular complications using slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy before, during, and after the treatment at reg ular intervals. Results-8/19 patients, while on treatment, developed an asymptomatic retino pathy. Among these 3/8 were relapsers and 5/9 were non-responders to interf eron monotherapy. All retinal changes faded, often while the patients conti nued the therapy. There was no significant association in occurrence of ret inopathy with haematological and/or biochemical changes. Conclusion-Retinopathy was more common in interferon monotherapy nonrespond ers than relapsers when treated with interferon alfa 2b with the addition o f ribavirin. The changes were transient, disappearing while the patients we re still being treated.