Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a rare but serious viral infection of the retina and choroid. It causes rapid inflammation, tissue death, and a high risk of retinal detachment.
Features and Symptoms
ARN often presents with eye pain, redness, blurred vision, floaters, and light sensitivity. Examination shows peripheral retinal whitening, vasculitis, and vitritis.
- Usually caused by herpes group viruses
- Can affect otherwise healthy individuals
- May involve one or both eyes
Treatment
Management includes intensive antiviral therapy, often with systemic and intravitreal medications, plus steroids when appropriate. Prophylactic laser may be used to reduce detachment risk.
Further Information
Patients with ARN are usually managed by vitreoretinal specialists; general surgical approaches are described on the vitreoretinal surgery page. Broader information on retinal diseases is also covered in Blue Fin Vision® articles on diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment.
