| CMV retinitis is a serious eye infection
of the retina, the light-sensing nerve layer that lines
the back of the eye. It is a significant threat to people
with weak immune systems, such as people with HIV and
AIDS, newborns, the elderly, people taking chemotherapy,
and recipients of organ transplants. About 20 to 30 percent
of people with AIDS develop CMV retinitis.
Infection with cytomegalovirus, one of the herpes viruses,
is extremely common and does not pose a problem for
someone with a strong immune system. But when immunity
is weak, the CMV can reactivate and spread to the retina
through the bloodstream.
First signs of CMV retinitis are loss of peripheral
vision or a blind spot which can progress to loss of
central vision. Without treatment or improvement in
the immune system, CMV retinitis destroys the retina
and damages the optic nerve, which results in blindness.
Injection of one or two drugs daily is the current
treatment for CMV retinitis. A promising new therapy
involves placing a small implant inside the eye that
slowly releases the anti-CMV drug ganciclovir.
Warning signs that should be examined by an ophthalmologist
immediately are floating spots or spiderwebs, flashing
lights, blind spots or blurred vision. Recurrence of
CMV retinitis is common so monthly check-ups with an
ophthalmologist are important. |
