Ocular findings in patients with novel A/H1N1 infection: an observational cross-sectional study

Background: The systemic findings of novel A (H1N1) influenza have been well documented but data on ocular lesions is scarce. We report the systemic and ophthalmoscopic findings of 14 patients with proven H1N1 infection. Methods: : An observational non-interventional retrospective study. During a period of nine years, 14 patients (six female and eight males), were referred for an ophthalmic evaluation. All patients underwent a detailed systemic and ocular evaluation.   Results: : Three patients (21.4 %) showed ocular lesions in the form of a unilateral intraretinal hemorrhage. Of these, one patient (7.1%) had a large disc hemorrhage and an area of retinal whitening, consistent with ischemia in the macular area.  Conclusions: : Physicians dealing with H1N1 infection should be aware of these findings and may include an ocular evaluation as part of their protocol.