Preserve Your Vision with Acute Retinal Necrosis Treatment in Connecticut
Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a very rare condition that occurs in 0.63 cases per 1 million population. Nevertheless, it’s an aggressive eye condition that requires immediate, expert care. Without prompt care, ARN causes retinal damage and potential vision loss. At Retina Consultants, P.C., we are nationally recognized for providing advanced care for complex retinal conditions, including acute retinal necrosis. Backed by a team of six dual-trained vitreoretinal specialists, you can count on our practice for best-in-class retinal care.
What is acute retinal necrosis?
Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a rare but serious viral infection that affects the retina. Possible causes of ARN include members of the herpes virus family, such as herpes simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and varicella-zoster (VZV, the virus that causes shingles). ARN affects patients of all ages, but certain strains target more age groups than others.
Acute retinal necrosis requires prompt treatment from a retinal specialist. Without treatment, it leads to rapid inflammation, retinal tissue damage, and potential vision loss.
What are the symptoms of acute retinal necrosis?
Patients develop rapid-onset, non-specific symptoms that may worsen over a short period. Common signs include:
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness in the eye
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Floaters (dark spots or lines in your vision)
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
ARN requires prompt treatment because it is progressive. In some cases, symptoms start in one eye but can spread to the other eye without treatment. In its advanced form, ARN leads to vitreous traction and retinal atrophy, heightening the risk of retinal detachment.
How do you diagnose acute retinal necrosis?
Prompt and precise diagnosis is critical. At your Connecticut retinal practice, our specialists will perform a detailed eye exam to confirm or rule out ARN.
- A dilated retinal examination to look for areas of inflammation and necrosis
- Advanced imaging, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fundus photography, to examine the retina in detail
- Fluorescein angiography to evaluate blood flow in the retina
- Laboratory testing or fluid sampling (PCR testing) to confirm the viral cause
ARN can mimic other eye conditions. That’s why accurate diagnosis is important to guide your treatment plan, avoiding misdiagnosis or delays that could lead to serious vision loss.
How do you treat acute retinal necrosis?
ARN requires urgent treatment to control the infection and protect vision. Treatment typically includes:
- Antiviral medications: Systemic antiviral therapy is the standard care of ARN treatment. This may be given orally, intravenously, or as injections directly into the eye.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Your doctor may prescribe steroids to manage anterior segment inflammation and limit retinal damage.
- Laser retinopexy: Your retinal specialist may recommend prophylactic laser therapy to prevent the risk of retinal detachment.
- Surgical intervention: If retinal detachment occurs, your eye doctor may recommend pars plana vitrectomy to repair damage and preserve vision.
ARN can progress quickly, sometimes within days. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment greatly improve the chances of preserving sight and preventing complications.
Do you need treatment for acute retinal necrosis in Connecticut?
At Retina Consultants, P.C., care is never one-dimensional. Our specialists often collaborate on complex cases, ensuring that each patient benefits from multiple expert perspectives. This team-based approach allows us to refine treatment plans and deliver the highest standard of care.
Acute retinal necrosis is a serious condition, but with the right expertise and timely care, positive outcomes are possible. To get started with our expert retinal care, call us at:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
Enfield
Being diagnosed with a rare retinal condition like ARN can be scary. But here is the good news. At Retina Consultants, P.C., there is no retinal issue our medical and surgical specialists cannot handle.
