الفهرس 
: Epidemiology of Hepatitis C VirusOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: chronic Hepatitis C is a common problem world wide treated with combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin. Different ocular side effects have been reported with the use of interferon. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency and possible risk factors of these complications.
STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational descriptive study.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:50 patients (100 eyes) were selected from Fayoum Viral Hepatitis Center. Patients aged from 23 to 60 years Past medical history of hypertension and diabetes were taken. Full ocular examination was performed before start of treatment andat 12,24 and 36 weeks after start of treatment.This study was conducted in the department of ophthalmology,Fayoum university Hospital, Fayoum University; from June 2013 to May 2014.
RESULTS: Total 50 patients were enrolled among which, 18 (36%) developed retinopathy in the form of cotton wool spots and 2(4%) developed flame shaped haemorrhage.Dry eye was observed in nine patients(18%).
CONCLUSION: Retinopathy may occur in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving interferon alpha and ribavirin, it is self limiting,and there is no need to stop INF in patients with retinopathy. patients with diabetes, HTN, and high level of pretreatment serum HCV could be at more risk for developing INF related retinopathy.