….retinal hemorrhages and cotton-wool spots (CWS), focal areas of retinal ischemia. HIV-infected persons may also experience dry eye symptoms, double vision (cranial nerve palsies), pain and redness (such as herpes keratitis or iridocyclitis), as well as proptosis, ptosis, and eyelid edema from orbital involvement.
If you are younger than 50 years of age and are diagnosed with an isolated CWS, herpes infection, or any opportunistic infections like syphilis, mulluscum contagious, and toxoplasmosis, you’re suspected of having HIV infection and a medical work-up is required.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the most serious opportunistic infection, leading to blindness and death if left untreated. If you have HIV/AIDS and experience the four “F’s” of CMV, which are failing or blurred vision, floaters, flashes of light, and field defects, you should see an eye care practitioner immediately.
If you have HIV/AIDS you should have a yearly comprehensive dilated eye examination. Prompt recognition of HIV-related eye diseases, like CMV, and appropriate management are imperative to improve visual outcome and potentially save lives.
For more information, download the free fact sheet from Prevent Blindness at: http://www.preventblindness.org/sites/default/files/national/documents/fact_sheets/FS107_HIVandEyes.pdf
Dr. Sherrol A. Reynolds is an Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, where she is the clinical medicine course instructor, and attending in the diabetes and macular clinic. She was awarded the National Optometric Association (NOA) Optometrist of the Year in 2013, and is currently vice-president of the organization. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometric Retinal Society.
She also serves as chair of the Florida Optometric Association Healthy Eye Healthy People committee and the NOA’s liaison to the National Eye Institute (NEI) National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP). She has participated in various research projects, authored numerous publications, and lectures on topics in ocular and systemic diseases.
This article was republished with permission from PreventBlindness.org’s See Jane See online resource, which is dedicated to women’s unique vision needs.