Ocular changes as a diagnostic tool for malaria

According to the WHO Malaria Report 2019 a total of 229 million people fall ill with malaria each year and two thirds of deaths involve children under 5 years of age. To review the fundus changes in the context of malaria and the importance of ophthalmoscopy in the diagnosis. Summary of changes in cerebral malaria visible on fundus examination, possible underlying pathomechanisms and the value of ophthalmoscopy in practice. Retinal findings in malaria include white or gray staining of the retina (retinal whitening), color change of retinal vessels (orange or white staining), hemorrhages often with a white center, such as Roth's spot and papilledema. The retinal changes in malaria are specific and may help to differentiate malaria from other causes of coma and fever. Smartphone-based fundus photography and artificial intelligence could support malaria diagnostics particularly in resource-poor regions.