HIV can affect any part of the eyes, from more superficial regions such as the eyelids, to deep tissues such as the retina, vitreous and nerves, causing diseases such as retinitis, retinal detachment, Kaposi’s sarcoma, as well as various types of eye infections.
The chances of having your vision affected by the infection are greater when the disease is in more advanced stages, due to immune changes caused by the disease, as well as opportunistic infections that take advantage of the drop in immunity to take hold.
After infection with the HIV virus, it is possible to remain without any symptoms for many years, until the state of low immunity facilitates the existence of infections and diseases in various organs, including the eyes, which is why it is very important to avoid this complication with preventing the disease and testing for its early detection. Learn about the main symptoms of AIDS and how to know if you have the disease.
The main eye diseases caused by HIV are:
1. Blood vessel injuries
Microangiopathies are injuries to small ocular vessels that cause occlusion of blood flow or bleeding, which can alter the visual capacity of the affected person.
Generally, treatment is carried out with antiretroviral therapy, such as Zidovudine, Didanosine or Lamivudine, for example, used under the guidance of an infectious disease specialist. Understand how AIDS treatment is carried out.
2. CMV retinitis
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is quite common in people with HIV, being capable of causing retinitis with lesions in small blood vessels, which affect important structures of the eyes and can impair vision. This infection usually occurs in cases of AIDS with a significant drop in the levels of the CD4 defense molecule, which may be below 50/mcL.
Treatment for this infection involves the use of antiviral agents, such as Ganciclovir, Foscarnete, Aciclovir or Valganciclovir, for example, which are recommended by the infectious disease specialist. Antiretroviral therapy is also important to prevent worsening of immunity and ease of infections.
3. Varicella zoster virus infection
Ocular infection with the varicella zoster virus usually causes very serious infections, with levels of CD4 defense molecules below 24/mcL. This infection is called progressive retinal necrosis syndrome, and is characterized by the formation of lesions in the retina, which can enlarge and compromise the entire retina, leading to its detachment and loss of vision.
Treatment is carried out by continuing antiretroviral therapy, however, it is not always possible to improve the condition and visual recovery.
4. Ocular toxoplasmosis
People with weakened immunity due to the HIV virus have a greater chance of acquiring ocular toxoplasmosis, which is transmitted mainly through the consumption of contaminated water and food. This infection mainly affects the vitreous and retina, and causes symptoms such as decreased vision, sensitivity to light or eye pain.
Treatment involves the use of medications 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. Find out more about what toxoplasmosis is, how it is caught and how to treat it.
5. Kaposi’s sarcoma
Kaposi’s sarcoma is a tumor characteristic of people infected with HIV, which affects any region containing skin and mucous membranes, and can also appear in the eyes, and seriously affect vision.
Treatment includes antiretroviral therapy, chemotherapy, 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 disease specialist in conjunction with the ophthalmologist.
