FEATURES OF CHICKENPOX VIRUS-ASSOCIATED NEURORETINITIS (CLINICAL CASES)

Neuroretinitis is an inflammatory disease of the optic nerve involving the macula. Etiologically, there are both idiopathic and infectious forms of optic neuroretinitis. The main infections that cause optic neuroretinitis are, Bartonella henselae, Treponema Pallidum, Borrelia burgdorferi and Toxoplasma gondii. The chickenpox virus (Varicella Zoster) is a much less common cause of optic neuroretinitis. Our study examined the clinical symptoms and optimal treatment methods for viral neuroretinitis caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. The study was conducted at the National Ophthalmology Centre named after Academician Zarifa Aliyeva from 2018 to 2024. The study included 5 eyes of 3 patients who were diagnosed with neuroretinitis caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. In addition to standard ophthalmological examinations, laboratory and instrumental methods of examination were performed in patients, including serological blood tests and MRI of the brain. All patients received antiviral treatment and corticosteroids. Positive dynamics were noted during treatment in all patients. In conclusion, early diagnosis and initiation of complex treatment significantly prevent the progression of optic neuritis neuroretinitis, which leads to a decrease in symptoms in patients. Key words: neuroretinitis, OCT, corticosteroids, macular edema, chickenpox virus