AIDS and the Eyes

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. If the disease gets worse then the immune system cannot protect the body against infections and tumors.

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 serious.

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 is a slow-growing tumor that may appear as a red mass on the corner of the eye or a purple nodule on the eyelid.
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus. This is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and causes damage in and around the eye.

Finally, AIDS often can affect the brain. Changes in the brain may cause:

• problems with eye movement
• blurred vision
• double vision
• blindness.

Symptoms may include:

• floating spots in your vision
• painless loss of vision
• 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.

There is no known cure for AIDS. Many AIDS patients take medicines that slows down the growth of the AIDS virus. Typically a combination of drugs is used. These medicines and others help people 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 can kill bacteria.
• Antifungal agents can kill fungi.

For more information on AIDS, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's national AIDS hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS.