When light falls on the retina, it sends signals to the brain which are transformed into pictures that we see. When CMV attacks the retina, it becomes swollen and inflamed, and vision is affected. This condition is called CMV retinitis. As scars in the retina form, vision is reduced and if left untreated, blindness will occur. Maintenance therapy consists of reduced doses of these drugs.
Some doctors prescribe oral ganciclovir.
When treatment no longer works, doctors may switch patients to the other drug or use a combination of ganciclovir and foscarnet. Details on therapies for CMV appear in TreatmentUpdate 53 and 60. Although several research teams are developing sophisticated tests to use in predicting who will develop CMV-retinitis, these tests remain research tools. Thus, regular eye exams remain the only reliable way to detect CMV retinitis before it causes widespread damage. An old test A team of eye doctors who have been monitoring subjects with AIDS think they have now found a simple way to predict which people are at high risk for developing CMV retinitis.