Acute Blindness in a Child after Quinine treatment for Severe Malaria

Abstract

Although blurred vision from quinine toxicity is well documented in literature, an acute effect leading to blindness is infrequently reported. We report a case of sudden bilateral blindness in a child after quinine treatment for severe malaria. Ocular examination revealed no acute pathology except widely dilated non-reactive pupils. The site within the retina of the toxic effect of quinine remains controversial. Literature on proposed mechanisms is reviewed in this article. This case highlights the potential toxic effects of quinine in children and the lack of a characteristic fundi appearance.