Dr.Deepika Elangovan
39 years old female presented with diminution of vision in right eye for 3 days. She had fever with joint pain 10 days back which was diagnosed as Chikungunya and treated. Thorough ophthalmic evaluation was performed. Systemic evaluation such as complete blood count, Widal test, Mantoux test and ELISA for CHIKV-specific Ig and MRI-brain was done. Vision in right eye was perception of light and left eye vision was 6/6. Fundus evaluation showed blurred disc margins with hyperemia. IgM ELISA for Chikungunya was positive. Thus the diagnosis of Chikungunya associated optic neuritis was made and was started on IV Methyl Prednisolone 1 gm OD for 5 days and tapered to oral steroids. Visual acuity improved to 6/9 on day 4 and after 20 days her visual acuity improved to 6/6,N6. Color vision and visual fields also improved. Chikungunya associated optic neuritis can occur even in the quiescent phase of the disease. Prompt diagnosis and management can hasten the recovery of visual functions.
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