HIV retinopathy: Causes, symptoms, and more – Medical News Today

HIV attacks a specific type of immune cell called the CD4 helper cell or T cell. When these cell numbers decrease, the body finds it more difficult to fight infections. This can lead to several complications, including HIV retinopathy.

Because of their compromised immune systems, HIV-positive people are more likely to experience opportunistic infections or cancers that do not typically cause illness in other people.

Globally, almost 40 million people live with HIV, and around 70% of these individuals will experience eye problems, including HIV retinopathy.

This article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment of HIV retinopathy. It also covers some other conditions linked to HIV.

HIV i a rtrviru that attacks the immune system and affects many parts of the body, including the eyes. Without treatment, HIV progresses to AIDS.

HIV retinopathy is the most common eye problem that affects people living with HIV. Retinopathy is an umbrella term for a disease that affects the retina and may result in visual impairments or even loss of vision.

In HIV rtinth, the blood vessels in the retina become blocked or can bleed, leading to damage. The retina contains light-sensitive cells and nerve cells that receive and organize visual information. If the retina is damaged, it can affect a persons vision.

It appears that the incidence of HIV retinopathy is inversely proportional to an individuals CD4 count. CD4 cells are the immune cells that HIV targets. The causes of HIV retinopathy include the following:

Microvasculopathy is a disease of the small blood vessels, which doctors see in around 4060% of HIV-positive individuals. The causes are a buildup of HIV-infected cells with attached antibodies, increased plasma viscosity, or HIV invading the lining of the blood vessels.

These occur because the bodys immune defenses are too low to fight invading pathogens. For example, if an individual has a significantly reduced CD4 T cell count, infections like ctmglviru (CMV) rtiniti can develop. CMV retinitis is the most common opportunistic infection in HIV-positive individuals.

However, the incidence of these infections i dlining due to highl tiv ntirtrvirl thr (HAART), an effective HIV treatment.

Neoplasms are abnormal masses that form in tissues when cells grow and divide more than average.

Individuals living with HIV may develop Kaposi sarcoma, a rare tumor affecting the eye. This is a red or purple tumor that may form on the white of the eye or the eyelid, although it can also develop anywhere on the body, most commonly on the skin or mouth.

The symptoms of HIV microvasculopathy include small hemorrhages or bleeding within the retina. Additionally, the individual may notice white spots called ttn wl t in their field of vision.

With CMV rtiniti, an individual could lose their vision, but this is becoming less common with the advent of HAART.

Erl mtm f CMV rtiniti n inlud:

CMV rtiniti may also involve hemorrhages and retinal necrosis or tissue death. In addition, an individual may lose their eyesight if the macula or optic nerve is affected.

HIV-positive individuals should consult a doctor if they develop any optical symptoms, as the earlier they begin treatment, the better the outcome.

The ntrl rt f th rtin that focuses images i knwn th macula. It m nl tk a small r f damage t thi r to u a ubtntil l f ight. However, this is rare in CMV. Damage to th retina utid th mul m not affect the site, but it can spread if lft untrtd. Retinal detachment is also a major cause of loss of vision in CMV retinitis.

The treatment of HIV retinopathy will depend on the cause of the retinopathy.

If an individual has HIV mirvulth, they often have no symptoms and the condition nd does nt rquir n trtmnt.

Doctors may choose to treat CMV rtiniti with antiviral medications including:

Standard of care for CMV retinitis is systemic, usually using valganciclovir or ganciclovir, as well as possible intravitreal injections, especially if lesions are sight threatening. Intravitreal injections are injections into the eye.

Alternatively, doctors may prescribe foscarnet and cidofovir. However, they reserve these for refractory cases due to likely severe side effects.

If an individual has a tumor affecting the eyes, doctors may recommend radiation treatment or surgery. If bleeding or swelling inside the eye damages the retina, surgery or laser treatment may alleviate the problems.

Individuals can help rvnt HIV retinopathy and rblm by taking their HIV mdiin rribd.

Although antiretroviral therapy has dramatically improved the outlook of HIV-positive individuals, they may still benefit from regular comprehensive eye exams with an ophthalmologist, particularly if their CD4 count is less than 200 per microliter.

At these appointments, the doctor can identify any potential problems before they become serious issues.

HIV-positive individuals have weakened immune systems, as the virus destroys the white blood cells responsible for fighting infection. As a result, living with HIV puts a person at risk for rtuniti inftin.

It is important to note that these opportunistic infections mainly affect those with untreated HIV or AIDS.

These infections tk dvntg f th individul wk immun tm, and are less mmn nd l vr in hlth l.

Thr r mn types f opportunistic infections, including:

If an individual has HIV or AIDS, doctors may find these infections more challenging to treat than in HIV-negative people. Additionally, someone with untreated HIV or AIDS is more likely to experience mlitin frm mmn illn uh th flu.

A rn living with HIV n hl rvnt these opportunistic infections by taking their HIV medication and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes following a balanced diet to provide the body with the necessary energy and nutrients to fight infections. People should also wash their hands regularly and cook food thoroughly.

Learn more about living with HIV here.

HIV attacks the immune system, making it challenging for an individual to overcome infections.

Many people living with HIV experience health problems, including HIV retinopathy, an eye disease affecting the retina.

Infections, damaged blood vessels, and tumors can cause HIV retinopathy, leading to visual disturbances and potential loss of vision.

HIV-positive individuals should seek medical advice as soon as possible if they experience any problems with their sight or eyes. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a suitable treatment.

Adults living with HIV should have regular eye exams.

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HIV retinopathy: Causes, symptoms, and more - Medical News Today