Severe hemorrhagic retinopathy as initial manifestation of acute retinal necrosis caused by herpes simplex virus.

A case of bilateral acute retinal necrosis due to herpes simplex virus 1, in a child is reported. The case presented as an extensive hemorrhagic retinopathy that was misdiagnosed as non-infective initially. Diagnostic aqueous tap of the blind eye for viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction helped to confirm viral etiology when the other eye was affected. Appropriate antiviral therapy followed by prompt surgeries for subsequent retinal detachment helped to salvage useful vision in the second eye.