Late-stage Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis: Photocoagulation of the Worm Does Not Improve the Visual Acuity of Affected Patients

Background And Objective: To evaluate the visual outcome following direct laser photocoagulation of the worm in patients with late-stage diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN).

Patients And Methods: The study reports on 22 DUSN patients diagnosed in its late stage, in whom the worm was identified and subsequently destroyed by laser photocoagulation. Information gathered included initial and final visual acuities and length of follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed with the Paired Student's t-Test. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: After a mean follow-up of 13.1 months, visual acuity improved in 2 patients, remained unchanged in 19 patients and decreased in one patient. Comparison of the visual outcome before and after laser treatment was not statistically significant (p = 0.302).

Conclusion: Destruction of the worm by laser photocoagulation in eyes with late-stage DUSN does not improve the visual acuity of affected patients.