Your body contains proteins called interferons. They are created by your body’s immunological system. The way interferon drugs operate is by enhancing your immune system. They combat diseases like cancer, bacteria, and viruses.
Hepatitis C, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV) health issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), melanoma and other malignancies, AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, and some types of leukaemia have all been treated with interferon.
Retinopathy can be caused by interferon medication. A condition known as retinal retinopathy can cause vision loss. Most interferon-related retinopathy instances are mild and treatable. Retinopathy, however, might result in vision loss.
At the start of interferon therapy, an examination by an ophthalmologist is advised due to the possibility of retinopathy. You will be informed by your ophthalmologist when you need to schedule another examination. To search for early indications of retina damage, they will use an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. If you detect any changes in your eyesight, notify your ophthalmologist or primary care physician right away.
Interferon damage might manifest as new floaters, blurry vision, dark spots, or blank spaces in your field of vision.
Do not stop taking your interferon medicine. Discuss this decision with your doctor.
Your eyes will be examined by an ophthalmologist. They will test your vision, inspect the front of your eyes under a slit lamp, and dilate your pupils with drops to examine the rear of your eyes for retinopathy and vision issues.
If you have retinopathy, your ophthalmologist will collaborate with you and your doctor. If necessary, you can modify your treatment strategy together. This might help your retinopathy improve.
If your retinopathy requires treatment, medication is typically used.
Anti-VEGF medications are one class of therapy. This aids in lowering edoema. This medication is injected (shot) into the eye. Lucentis and Avastin are a couple of examples of anti-vegf medications. An additional method to minimise edoema is steroid medication. Additionally, it is injected into the eye. How frequently you will require injections over time will be advised by your ophthalmologist.
At The Eye Center- Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates our team of eight ophthalmology subspecialists/ eye specialists, eye surgeons who are considered amongst the very best eye specialists in Karachi and in Pakistan, have the diagnostic and treatment capabilities to treat from the simplest to the most complex patients. We work hard to provide our patients with the best possible medical and surgical eye care, in a state of the art purpose built eye care facility. We offer the entire array of medical, laser and surgical treatments to help provide patients the best possible care in the most efficient, safe and ethical manner.
If you need an appointment, please contact us at 03041119544 during our working hours or leave us a WhatsApp message at +923028291799 and someone will connect with you. Walk-in appointments are also available for emergencies. We can also be reached through our web portal on www.surgicaleyecenter.org
