HIV can affect any part of the eye, from more superficial regions such as the eyelids, to the deep tissues such as retina, vitreous and nerves, causing diseases such as retinitis, retinal detachment, Kaposi's sarcoma, and various types of eye infections.
The chances of having vision affected by the infection are greater when the disease is in more advanced stages, due to the immune changes caused by the disease, as well as by opportunistic infections that take advantage of the immunity to settle down.
After infection with the HIV virus, it is possible to remain without any symptoms for many years, until the low immunity state facilitates the existence of infections and diseases in several organs, including the eyes, so it is very important to avoid this complication with disease prevention and testing for its early detection. Know the main symptoms of AIDS and how to know if you have the disease.
The main eye diseases caused by HIV are:
1. Injury to blood vessels
Microangiopathies are injuries to the small ocular vessels that cause occlusions of blood flow or bleeding, and may alter the visual capacity of the affected person.
Generally, treatment is done with antiretroviral therapy, such as Zidovudine, Didanosine or Lamivudine, for example, used under the guidance of the infectologist. Understand how AIDS treatment is done.
2. CMV Retinitis
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is very common in people with HIV and is capable of causing retinitis with lesions in small blood vessels that affect important structures of the eyes and can impair vision. This infection usually occurs in cases of AIDS with a significant drop in levels of the CD4 defense molecule, which may be below 50 / mcL.
Treatment for this infection is done with the use of antiviral agents such as Ganciclovir, Foscarnete, Ciclovir or Valganciclovir, for example, which are indicated by the infectious agent. Antiretroviral therapy is also important to prevent worsening of immunity and ease of infection.
3. Varicella zoster virus infection
Ocular infection by the varicella zoster virus usually affects fairly serious infections, with CD4 defense molecule levels below 24 / mcL. This infection is called progressive retinal necrosis syndrome, and is characterized by the formation of retinal lesions, which can increase and compromise the entire retina, leading to detachment and loss of vision.
Treatment is made with the continuation of antiretroviral therapy, however, it is not always possible to have improvement of the picture and visual recovery.
4. Toxoplasmosis of the eye
People with immunity weakened by the HIV virus are more likely to acquire ocular toxoplasmosis, which is mainly transmitted by the consumption of contaminated food and water. This infection mainly affects the vitreous and retina, and causes symptoms such as decreased vision, sensitivity to light or eye pain.
The treatment is done with the use of medicines with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. In some cases, the ophthalmologist may perform surgeries such as photocoagulation, cryotherapy or vitrectomy, as a way to reduce the complications of the disease. Learn more about toxoplasmosis, how it looks and how to treat it.
5. Kaposi's sarcoma
Kaposi's sarcoma is a tumor characteristic of HIV-infected people, which affects any region that contains skin and mucous membranes, which can also appear in the eyes, and severely affect the eyesight.
Treatment is done with antiretroviral therapy, qiotherapy, and, if necessary, ophthalmologic surgery. Understand better what Kaposi's sarcoma is and how it arises.
6. Other infections
Several other infections can affect the vision of people with HIV, and some include herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or candidiasis, for example, all of which must be treated by the infectious agent in conjunction with the ophthalmologist. Learn more about AIDS-related illnesses.
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