Unilateral acute retinal necrosis in a young Indian male patient

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a rare but devastating and rapidly progressive viral retinitis. The most common aetiological agents are reported to be herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus. A boy in middle childhood presented with redness in his right eye for the last 3 days. A diagnosis of unilateral ARN was made after complete ocular examination. Systemic investigations were advised, and the patient was started on intravitreal and systemic antiviral therapy. An aqueous humour sample on PCR was positive for HSV I and II, thereby confirming the diagnosis of ARN. Early diagnosis and management helped in achieving optimal visual and anatomical results.