External disease also occurs such as molluscum contagiosum and Kaposi's sarcoma of the conjunctiva. With more suppression of the immune system, opportunistic infections become common, and have a considerable visual morbidity. It has been the AIDS-defining illness in 26 patients. A majority had the disease confined to one eye. 5 microL and it has been associated with a viraemia in all but two patients.
Visual impairment follows from retinal destruction, optic nerve involvement, and retinal detachment.
The ophthalmic workload from late ocular complications of AIDS is increasing. Newer and more effective methods of treatment are being developed. Ophthalmologists are becoming more aware of the need for universal precautions to avoid risks from this and other blood-borne infections. National Library of Medicine. Always watch for outdated information.