---
title: What is acute retinal necrosis?
description: "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,…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/what-is-acute-retinal-necrosis/"
updated: "2025-12-11"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# What is acute retinal necrosis?

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](https://bluefinvision.com/vitreoretinal-surgery/) page. Broader information on retinal diseases is also covered in Blue Fin Vision® articles on diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment.