HIV and eyes
Dry eye syndrome (dry eye syndrome- DES) and retinopathy are among the most common eye disorders among HIV-infected patients (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
In fact, it is estimated that 70-80% of HIV-infected patients develop infections and diseases affecting the eye and its adnexa, such as periocular tumours. HIV-associated eye disorders can affect all parts of the eye, including the optic nerve. A recent study highlighted the main eye disorders caused by HIV infection.
Eye diseases in HIV-positive patients: the study
The study was conducted on 200 HIV-positive patientsaged between 31 and 40 years. Patients were tested for two years for the presence and prevalence of specific eye diseases. In particular, tests were carried out to determine the levels of T-lymphocytes, the decrease of which indicates depression of the immune system.
The following checks were carried out on the patients' eyes:
-Intraocular pressure;
-examination of the eye sockets;
-control of eye movements to highlight the nerves involved;
-visual acuity;
-examination of the apparatus lacrimal;
-examination of the retinal fundus.
The researchers cross-referenced the T-lymphocyte count with the ocular pathologies found and found that these were more prevalent in subjects with a low lymphocyte count. Most of the patients had dry eye syndrome (20.5%) and associated HIV retinopathy (20%). The 5% featured anterior uveitis and the 2.5% cytomegalovirus-associated retinitis. In addition, in 5.5% of the cases were found neuro-ophthalmic complications such as papilledema, optic nerve atrophy, papillitis and abnormalities of the third cranial nerve. Less common, however, were the herpes zoster infections, found in only 3% of patients. Finally, although more rarely, they were also observed in ocular toxoplasmosis, acute retinal necrosis and central retinal vein occlusion.
These findings highlight the need for HIV-infected patients to undergo regular check-ups in order to prevent the onset of infections and diseases of the eye that can severely impair vision.
Source
Dr. Carmelo Chines
Direttore responsabile
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