Pune: A 70-year-old woman, Sandhya, who had previously recovered from dengue hemorrhagic fever, experienced a gradual loss of vision in both eyes just days after her recovery.
Upon seeking treatment at the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) in Pune, she was diagnosed with retinitis in both eyes, a condition caused by the dengue infection.
While her vision in the right eye has returned to normal with corticosteroid treatment, swelling in the retina of her left eye will take more time to heal, doctors said.
According to ophthalmologists, dengue hemorrhagic fever can result in a range of eye problems that typically emerge seven to fifteen days after the fever subsides.
These issues can include uveitis, an inflammation of the inner part of the eye; retinal vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels in the retina; and macular edema, which is swelling in the central part of the retina.
Fortunately, these conditions can often be treated with medication, eliminating the need for surgery in most cases.
Experts estimate that these complications occur in 7 to 40 percent of dengue patients, depending on the severity of the infection. These issues can affect both men and women, and can appear at any age.
The early symptoms of eye complications following dengue include red spots on the white part of the eyes, which are caused by a drop in platelet levels. While this is generally not a cause for concern, internal bleeding in the eye may require surgery.
Additionally, conditions like retinitis or uveitis can result in symptoms such as eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. In some cases, vision may decrease due to damage in the back of the retina, or inflammation of the optic nerve that transmits visual signals to the brain. Severe inflammation affecting the entire eye, known as panophthalmitis, can also develop.
Ophthalmologists stress the importance of eye examinations for patients recovering from dengue, particularly those who experienced hemorrhagic fever or a significant drop in platelet counts.
These patients are at higher risk of developing serious eye complications, which typically manifest between eight and fifteen days after recovery. For those who experience eye irritation, inflammation, or vision problems, corticosteroid therapy may be recommended to reduce swelling and prevent further damage.
Ophthalmologist Dr. Aditya Kelkar advises individuals to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as dengue is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes. He also encourages patients to seek medical attention promptly if they notice any vision problems after recovering from dengue.
Dr. Satish Shitole, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Sassoon Hospital, highlighted that the majority of these eye complications can be treated with medication.
He noted that 3 to 4 percent of dengue patients experience such issues, and urged patients who experience a decline in vision after recovering from dengue to consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
