HIV and the eye

Abstract

In an area of high HIV prevalence, HIV-related ocular lesions are relatively common.

It is estimated that there are 5.6 million people in South Africa living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). A relatively small percentage of them are on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) although numbers are steadily increasing. As their CD4 cell counts decrease, these people will become more likely to develop certain opportunistic infections, immune-related diseases and tumours. A large number (70 - 75%) of them will develop ocular disease sometime during the course of their illness and it may be the first sign of HIV infection.