Ocular manifestations of AIDS

Article Abstract:

AIDS patients often develop eye diseases that may be caused by the drugs they take or by opportunistic infections. Between 70% and 90% of AIDS patients develop ocular complications. Cotton wool spots are common and are probably caused by a reduction in blood flow to nerve fibers due to disease of the blood vessels. Cytomegalovirus infection occurs in 30% to 40% of AIDS patients. It appears as fluffy white spots on the retina and usually occurs in the later stages of disease when the patient's CD4 count falls below 50. Ganciclovir and foscarnet are the only drugs approved for CMV retinitis, but they have many side effects and will not stop the progression of the infection. For this reason, it is important for AIDS patients to have frequent eye exams. Researchers are testing a form of sustained-release ganciclovir that is implanted in the eye. Rifabutin and didanosine are two drugs that can cause ocular complications in AIDS patients.

Care and treatment, Causes of, Ocular manifestations of general diseases, Eye manifestations

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Ocular manifestations of AIDS

Article Abstract:

Two-thirds of all AIDS patients will develop eye diseases or opportunistic eye infections that can cause vision loss. Lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcoma can cause formation of masses and lesions in the eye sockets and on the conjunctiva and eyelids. Ten percent of AIDS patients have recurrent conjunctiva or cornea inflammation and 10% to 15% develop inflammation of both Other patients develop cornea infections caused by bacteria that are difficult to treat. Cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of retinal infections and vision loss. Only 4% of AIDS patients develop retinal toxoplasmosis but it is the second most common AIDS-associated retinal infection. A small percentage of AIDS patients develop ocular syphilis.

Risk factors

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Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Article Abstract:

Highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) may prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinal infections but could also cause inflammation of the eye. In a study of 28 HIV patients with CMV retinal infection who received HAART, CMV retinal disease was suppressed even though they were not receiving CMV therapy. In 3 patients, the CMV infection cleared up completely. However, many patients developed an inflammation of the eye called uveitis. It is not clear whether HAART caused this inflammation or if it was a consequence of a strengthened immune system.

Prognosis, HIV infection, Drug therapy, HIV infections, Cytomegalovirus infections, Retinal diseases

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