Post-chikungunya retinitis leading to optic atrophy in a toddler: A rare cause of acute vision loss.

Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that is increasingly recognized for its atypical and multi-organ involvement. Although self-limiting, it can affect multiple organ systems, including the nervous and ocular systems. Ocular manifestations, particularly retinitis with retinal detachment, are vision-threatening. Recent outbreaks in endemic regions have demonstrated an expanding clinical spectrum, with increasing reports of severe and atypical complications. We report a pediatric case presented with chikungunya infection and concurrent UTI with septicemia. Visual impairment was noted, progressing to bilateral vision loss. Ophthalmic findings showed posterior segment involvement with extensive retinitis with retinal detachment, consistent with post-chikungunya viral retinopathy. Despite treatment with antivirals and corticosteroids, recovery was minimal, resulting in irreversible retinal damage. This case highlights the importance of prompt clinical evaluation and early ophthalmic referral to recognize chikungunya-associated retinitis. Severe bilateral retinitis with early profound visual impairment in pediatric chikungunya is uncommon, emphasizing the need for increased clinical awareness.