HIV/AIDS and ocular manifestations.

As of December, 1998, worldwide, 33.4 million people have been infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A wide variety of ocular disorders is associated with HIV. HIV can affect all structures of the eye. A large number of micro-organisms including virus, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, cause ocular diseases in HIV-infected patients. Out of these, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the most common. Ocular tuberculosis (TB), syphilitic retinal diseases and ocular toxoplasmosis are other serious eye problems in HIV patients, especially in the developing countries. HIV can also cause microvascular abnormalities producing cotton-wool spots. Neoplasms and drug-induced ocular disorders may be other problems. Ophthalmologists need to have wide range of information regarding HIV/AIDS for better diagnosis and management of their patients with ocular abnormalities. Further research, data collection, continuing education and the latest information on eye problems of AIDS patients are essential for Indian ophthalmologists.