Visual acuity: This test will find out how well you can see through your central vision in each eye.Because of increased risk of eye problems, people with compromised immune systems may need to see an eye doctor more often, like every three months.ĭuring a comprehensive eye exam, the eye doctor will conduct the following tests, among others: How are HIV-related vision problems diagnosed?Ī person with HIV should have yearly comprehensive eye exams with an eye doctor. Keep a lookout for the following changes: Individuals should see an eye doctor if changes in vision or the appearance of the eye occurs. What are the symptoms of HIV-related vision problems?Ī person with HIV-related eye conditions may not have any noticeable change in vision, or have outward symptoms, but permanent damage to the eye can be occurring. Other eye problems more common in people with HIV/ AIDS: These include dry eye, syphilis, herpes virus, gonorrhea, chlamydia, toxoplasmosis, candida, pneumocystis, and microsporidia. It is more commonly seen in people with HIV/AIDS infection. Squamous cell carcinoma of conjunctiva: Squamous cell carcinoma of conjunctiva is a cancer on the surface of the eye. It can damage the eyes, causing pain and loss of vision. HZO causes a blistering and crusty rash to defined areas of the body. HZO can occur anywhere in the body, most commonly on the face and eyes. It can occur in older adults (60+) or in younger people who are living with HIV. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) : HZO is a common infection caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Kaposi’s sarcoma can also appear on other places of the body, most commonly on the skin or mouth. It is a red or purple mass that forms on the white part of the eye or on the eyelid. Kaposi’s sarcoma : Kaposi’s sarcoma is a rare tumor that occurs in the eyes of patients with HIV. Without proper treatment, CMV retinitis can destroy the retina, optic nerve, and cause retinal detachment (the retina pulls away from the back of the eye). It often occurs in individuals with advanced stages of AIDS. CMV infects the retina when HIV has weakened the immune system of an infected person. Opportunistic infections are infections that occur more often and are more severe in people with weakened immune systems. Small hemorrhages (bleeding) and cotton wool spots (white spots that appear on the retina because of blocked blood vessels) are seen in the retina.Ĭytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis : CMV retinitis is the most commonly occurring opportunistic infection inside the eye of individuals living with HIV, and occurs in 20-30% of individuals with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The retina has tiny blood vessels that can get blocked or bleed which causes damage. This is a problem with the blood vessels in the retina, the lining at the back of the eye that senses light coming into the eye. HIV retinopathy: HIV retinopathy is the most common eye problem in people with HIV. What are some common eye conditions that can occur with HIV? Those with very weak immune systems are at risk for serious eye diseases that may lead to blindness if not identified and treated promptly. Sometimes these problems can be the first sign that a person has an HIV infection. About 70% of individuals with HIV will have an eye problem. People with HIV can have problems in and around the eye that people without HIV do not get. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 1.2 million people in the United States with HIV and one in eight who are not aware they are infected. An estimated 37.7 million people worldwide are living with HIV according to the World Health Organization. With proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. So once a person gets HIV, they have it for life. Unlike some other viruses, the human body can’t get rid of HIV completely, even with treatment. When this happens, HIV infection becomes AIDS, the advanced stage of the disease. Over time, HIV weakens the body’s ability to fight off serious infections (opportunistic infections) and some cancers. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, which helps fight off infections. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) if HIV is not properly treated. About 70% of individuals with HIV will have an eye problem.ĭownload the HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet What is HIV?
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