Aim: The aim of the study is to analyze visual fields defects (VFDs) in epidemic retinitis (ER).
Methods: Patients with ER and Humphrey's visual field (HFA) 30-2 performed after resolution were studied. VFD severity grading was performed. Patients treated with oral doxycycline (Group-A) versus doxycycline-steroids (group-B) were compared.
Results: Thirty-five eyes of 25 patients were studied. Nasal, inferior, temporal and central VFD were seen in 19 (54.2%), 13 (37.1%), 7 (20%) and 6 (17.1%) eyes, respectively. Grade 0, 1, 2 and 3 VFDs were seen in 4 (11.4%), 15 (42.8%), 12 (34.2%) and 4 (11.4%) eyes respectively. Seven eyes with ≥1 year of follow-up post-resolution also showed grade 0-3 scotomas. Mean severity of scotoma was grade 1.15 (Median: 1) and 1.42 (Median: 1.5) in groups A (n = 13) and B (n = 14), respectively (p = .637).
Conclusion: ER can cause VFD persisting long after resolution. Treatment with oral doxycycline without steroids was non-inferior to combined treatment with respect to VFD.
Keywords: Doxycycline; HFA; epidemic retinitis; post-fever retinitis; steroid; visual fields.