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HIV/AIDS and
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Approximately 75% of people with HIV/AIDS will develop an HIV-associated eye disorder at some point. Most of these conditions affect the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye.
Simple eye examinations are a useful tool in detecting symptoms such as cotton wool spots and retinal haemorrhages, both early signs of eye infection. Both of these symptoms can be caused by non AIDS related conditions, but they are more common in people affected by HIV/AIDS, and can therefore be useful in the detection of AIDS.
Cotton-wool spots, named by their fluffy white appearance, are caused by circulation problems within the retina, which may in turn cause small haemorrhages. As these symptoms do not actually cause vision loss, no treatment is necessary. However, the underlying infection will require medical care.
HIV/AIDS related infections of the retina include Herpes virus, Toxoplasma, Candida and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV is the most serious of these infections, attacking only people who have a severely damaged immune system. For this reason, it is known as an opportunistic infection.
Symptoms may include cotton wool spots and haemorrhages, and the infection can spread rapidly throughout the retina by jumping from one cell to another. Untreated CMV can cause blindness within a few months, as can CMV which is unresponsive to treatment.
Like CMV, Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare disease, almost unique to people affected by HIV/AIDS. This is a form of cancer which may involve the outer membrane of the eye, or the skin surrounding it.
Symptoms include a small, painless purple lump on the eyelid, or a bright red fleshy growth over the white of the eye. As with many cancers, the earlier Kaposi’s Sarcoma is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated.
As HIV/AIDS progresses to its final stages, it frequently involves the brain. Visual function is controlled and co-ordinated by more than 50% of our brain For this reason, vision is often affected, and regular eye examinations can detect signs of disease progression.
Do not ignore changes in vision. Early detection of problems can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Always check with your doctor if you experience any of the following:
?- Decreased, blurred or double vision
?- Problems with eye movement
?- Growths on or around the eye
?- Eye pain
Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) have an important role to play in the medical care of patients with HIV/AIDS. Regular ophthalmic eye examinations are essential, as the virus increases risk of eye infections. I
In addition to this, regular exams can aid the early diagnosis of non-AIDS related eye disorders, such as cataract and glaucoma. Early diagnosis of all these conditions can lead to effective treatment and prevention of severe vision loss and blindness.
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