Ocular manifestations in HIV-infected individuals

• Main Authors: Darja Dobovšek Divjak, Rok Grčar, Nataša Vidović Valentinčič
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenian Medical Association 2017-02-01
• Series: Zdravniški Vestnik
• Subjects: immune defciency; ophthalmic evaluation; CD4+ T-cells; opportunistic infections; antiretroviral therapy
• Online Access: http://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/1532
• ISSN: 1318-0347; 1581-0224

<p>Ocular manifestations may be the frst sign of disseminated systemic HIV infection in HIV-infected individuals. Terefore, it is of the utmost importance to early diagnose ocular conditions that are not responsive to conventional ophthalmic treatment. HIV-related ocular manifestations can affect the anterior (e.g. neoplasia and periocular tissue infections) as well as the posterior segment of the eye (e.g. retinopathy and opportunistic infections of the retina and choroid). Studies confrm that approximately 70 % of all HIV-infected patients suffer from at least one ocular manifestation caused by the HIV infection, so regular ophthalmic examinations are necessary in order to early diagnose and treat the disease, which might improve prognosis of the patient and prevent vision loss.</p><p>In the frst part of the article we present some of the most common HIV-related ocular manifestations, while the second part of the article includes our experience in ophthalmic evaluation, followup and treatment recommendations.</p>