Acute retinal necrosis (ARN)
Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) is a serious condition of the eye(s) and hence the visual system. It is thought to be due to a viral infection.
As implied by its name, this condition:
- is "Acute", that is, it may occur and develop quickly and be severe in extent.
- is "Retinal", that is, it affects the retina of the eye/s.
- involves "Necrosis", which refers to the death of some or all of the cells forming a particular tissue or organ.
Symptoms of Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) may include severe inflammation and damage to the tissues of the retina and associated blood vessels. Haemorrhaging (bleeding) and retinal detachment may also occur.
ARN may affect either or both eyes.
If both eyes are affected it may be called: Bilateral Acute Retinal Necrosis (BARN).
More about Ophthalmology:
This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include
- A diagram of the eye
- Definitions and descriptions of the parts of the eye
- A concise description of the human retina
- Definitions of parts of the retina
- Clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system
For further information see also our pages of books about ophthalmology.
The following books may also be of interest:
