AIDS and the Eyes
What is AIDS?
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a life-threatening illness. It is caused by a virus called HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV attacks the body's immune system. HIV infection becomes AIDS when the immune system loses its ability to fight off serious infections or tumors.
How does AIDS affect the eyes?
About two-thirds of people with HIV or AIDS develop eye problems. Almost any part of the eye can be affected. The problems can range from mild to severe. HIV/AIDS can cause blindness.
People with HIV or AIDS are more likely to get certain infections that can affect the retina (light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). The infections may cause various problems, including:
- problems with blood vessels in the retina, including bleeding
- infection of the retina
- death of some tissue in the retina
- detachment of the retina from the back of the eye.
Other eye problems that can occur with AIDS include:
- Kaposi's sarcoma. This tumor may appear as a red mass on the corner of the eye or a purple nodule on the eyelid. It can also appear on other places of the body.
- Herpes zoster ophthalmicus. This damage in and around the eye is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
Finally, AIDS often can affect the brain. Changes in the brain that then affect the eye may cause:
- problems with eye movement
- blurred vision
- double vision
- blindness.
What are the symptoms of AIDS-related eye problems?
Possible symptoms of AIDS-related eye problems are:
- floating spots in your vision
- painless loss of vision
- a bright red growth near the corner of the eye (Kaposi's sarcoma)
- blurred vision
- watery eyes
- red eyes
- sensitivity to light
- swollen eyelids
- eye pain
- fluid-filled blisters on or inside your eyelids or elsewhere on your face.
What is the treatment?
There is no known cure for AIDS. Many people who have HIV/AIDS take antiviral medicines that slow the progress of the disease. These medicines and others can help you live longer and stay healthier if taken as prescribed by your doctor.
Medicines for AIDS-related eye problems depend on the problem. For example:
- Ganciclovir, cidofovir, valganciclovir, and foscarnet can help treat an infection of the retina.
- Acyclovir and valacyclovir can lessen the symptoms of herpes infections.
- Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria.
- Antifungal agents treat infections caused by fungi.
For more information on AIDS, call the National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS (1-800-342-2437).
