Aim. To study the features of ophthalmic disorders in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C before and after antiviral treatment. Methods. 40 patients (80 eyes) with chronic hepatitis C were observed (the main group). The control group consisted of 20 healthy subjects (40 eyes). To diagnose chronic hepatitis C infection and to assess liver damage a set of clinical, epidemiological and laboratory tests was performed. All patients underwent liver ultrasonography. The diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C was set up according to presence of immunoglobulin M and G to hepatitis C virus and presence of viral RNA on polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood. Along with standard opthalmic examination, visual field testing using the white and chromatic light and visual lability testing were performed. Results. Color vision impairments were diagnosed in 50% of patients with chronic hepatitis C, with decreased visual lability for the red and green colors in 100% of cases. After 6 months of antiviral treatment restoration of visual function was observed. The durability of visual impairments in patients with chronic hepatitis C depended on the severity of the disease. Conclusion. In patients with chronic hepatitis C with the short term of the disease ophthalmic disorders such as decreased peripheral vision, color vision impairments, decreased visual lability are reversible.
Longitudinal evaluation of liver stiffness and outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C before and after short- and long-term IFN-free antiviral treatment