Introduction: Interferon-alpha associated retinopathy is an ocular complication of hepatitis C treatment well established in the literature. But, there are far fewer reports on multiple sclerosis related interferon-beta retinopathy.
Case report: A 58-year-old male while receiving subcutaneous interferon-beta 1a 44microg thrice a week since 2001 for multiple sclerosis developed blurred vision. Visual acuity remained stable throughout the course of surveillance. Cotton wool spots were found on fundus exam. The retinopathy disappeared without specific therapy 2 months after discontinuing interferon injections. The diagnosis of interferon-beta 1a retinopathy was retained due to the lack of any other etiology.
Conclusion: An ophthalmological examination including a fundus examination to search for a retinopathy should be undertaken when new ocular symptoms develop in a multiple sclerosis patient receiving interferon. An adverse event linked to interferon can be discussed and favored if the retinopathy resolves after interferon withdrawal.