Interferons are proteins that your body produces. They are produced by your body’s immunological system. The immune system is boosted by interferon medications. Viruses, germs, and cancer are among the things they combat.
Interferon can be used to treat a variety of disorders.
Many diseases have been treated using interferon, including:
● hepatitis B
● hepatitis C
● human papillomavirus (HPV) health problems
● melanoma
● certain forms of leukemia
● AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma
● multiple sclerosis (MS)
What Effect Does Interferon Have on the Retina?
Retinopathy is a side effect of interferon therapy. Retinopathy is a retinal illness that can cause vision loss. Fortunately, retinopathy caused by interferon therapy is usually moderate and reversible.
Because of the risk of retinopathy, an ophthalmology assessment is required before starting interferon therapy. When you need to return for another exam, your ophthalmologist will notify you. To check for early symptoms of retina injury, he or she will utilize an ophthalmoscope. If you detect any changes in your eyesight, contact your primary care physician or an ophthalmologist right away.
Interferon-induced damage may manifest itself in the following ways:
● new floaters appear in your field of vision
● vision is blurry
● In your vision, you may notice dark spots or empty regions.
Take your interferon treatment only as prescribed. Consult your doctor before making a decision.
How Is Interferon-induced Retinopathy Diagnosed and Treated?
Your eyes will be examined by an ophthalmologist. He or she will do the following to check for vision issues and retinopathy:
● check your vision
● Take a look at the front of your eyes (a slit-lamp exam)
● To check the back of your eye, your pupils will be dilated using eye drops.
If you have retinopathy, your ophthalmologist will collaborate with you and your doctor for the best treatment plan. If necessary, you can change your treatment plan together. It may be possible that this treatment plan will help you reverse your retinopathy.
If your retinopathy requires treatment, you will most likely be prescribed medications as well. Anti-VEGF medications are one type of medication therapy that aids in the reduction of edema. This medication is administered through eye injections (shots).
Lucentis and Avastin are some examples of anti-vegf medications. AAnother method for reducing edema is to take steroid medication that can also be given as an eye injection. This can also be given as an eye injection. Your ophthalmologist will tell you how many injections you may need in the long run.
