Herpetic retinitis

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to comprehensively describe the primary clinical manifestations of herpetic retinitis.EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A narrative review approach was employed to synthesize and analyze existing literature on herpetic retinitis and its clinical presentations. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using specific key words and phrases related to herpetic retinitis, herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, cytomegalovirus, acute retinal necrosis, and progressive outer retinal necrosis. Data on clinical manifestations were categorized and summarized.EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Herpetic retinitis exhibits diverse clinical presentations. Herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections are associated with acute retinal necrosis, progressive outer retinal necrosis, and non-necrotizing herpetic retinopathies. Cytomegalovirus infection is linked to fulminant retinitis characterized by confluent areas of retinal necrosis and retinal hemorrhages, indolent/granular retinitis, and frosted branch angiitis. These clinical manifestations often correlate with specific risk factors and the host’s immunological profiles.CONCLUSIONS: Herpetic viruses lead to panuveitis with a wide array of clinical manifestations. Differential diagnosis and therapeutic management can be facilitated by carefully considering the distinct ocular manifestations and the immunological status of the host. This knowledge enhances our understanding of herpetic retinitis, aiding clinicians in providing effective and tailored treatment strategies.