Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 03, 2025 5 hours, 18 minutes ago
Medical News: Dengue and its hidden threat
Most people know dengue fever for its high fever, muscle aches, and risk of bleeding. However, new research conducted by scientists from the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo in Japan, together with the Department of Ophthalmology at Zhongshan Torch Development Zone People’s Hospital in China, has revealed that dengue can also cause serious eye problems that may lead to long-term vision loss. According to this
Medical News report, eye damage can occur during the fever stage or even weeks and months after recovery.
Dengue Virus Can Cause Serious Eye Damage
How dengue affects the eyes
The study explains that the virus and the body’s immune response can break down the natural barrier between the blood and the eye. When this barrier is weakened, harmful immune cells and inflammatory chemicals can enter the eye, leading to swelling, bleeding, and tissue damage. Researchers noted that up to one in four patients hospitalized with dengue developed eye-related issues. A large review showed that nearly 24 percent of dengue patients experienced eye complications, and close to 19 percent developed uveitis, which is inflammation inside the eye.
Range of eye problems
The research outlined a wide spectrum of complications that may arise in dengue patients:
-
Subconjunctival hemorrhage – red patches in the whites of the eyes, often harmless but worrying in appearance.
-
Uveitis – inflammation inside the eye that can develop months after recovery, usually causing blurred vision.
-
Retinal vasculitis – inflammation of the eye’s blood vessels that can lead to permanent damage if untreated.
-
Maculopathy – swelling or injury in the central retina (macula) responsible for sharp vision, often leaving blind spots.
-
Optic neuritis – swelling of the optic nerve that may cause sudden and severe vision loss.
-
Severe cases – rare conditions such as panophthalmitis, a destructive infection that can result in total blindness.
Diagnosis and treatment
Doctors use specialized scans such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography to detect dengue-related eye disease. In mild cases, vision often improves on its own. However, serious conditions may require corticosteroid treatment to control inflammation. In situations where steroids fail, doctors sometimes use intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Surgery may also be needed for complications like bleeding in the eye or glaucoma. At present, no standard treatment guidelines exist, and more clinical research is urgently required.
/>
Why awareness matters
Although many patients recover their vision fully, some are left with long-term damage such as persistent blind spots or reduced eyesight. The researchers stress that patients in dengue-prone regions should be aware of warning signs like sudden blurriness, floaters, or eye pain. These symptoms can appear even months after recovery from dengue fever, making it essential for patients and doctors to remain alert and act quickly.
Conclusion
This study highlights that dengue fever is far more dangerous than many people realize. It is not only a temporary viral illness but one that can leave behind permanent vision problems. With millions of people infected worldwide each year, the threat of eye complications is significant. Doctors and patients must treat any vision changes after dengue seriously. Early detection and treatment can make the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Pathogens.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/9/872
For the latest on Dengue, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/vitamin-d-shows-powerful-potential-in-protecting-against-influenza,-covid-19-and-dengue
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/daidzin-from-soybean-shows-potential-in-fighting-dengue-virus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/carica-papaya-leaf-extract-for-dengue-treatment
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/dengue-news
Share
Tweet
Share
