AIDS and the Eyes

What is AIDS?

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a life-threatening disease caused by infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV attacks the body’s immune system, leaving it unable to protect the body against infections and tumours.

How does AIDS affect the eyes?

Around two-thirds of people with HIV or AIDS develop eye problems. Almost any part of the eye can be affected, and problems range from mild to severe.
People with HIV or AIDS are more prone to certain infections that can affect the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye).

What problems can be caused?

These infections can cause a range of problems, including:

• problems with the blood vessels of the retina, including bleeding
• cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, an infection of the retina
• retinal necrosis
• retinal detachment

Other eye problems

Other eye problems that can occur with AIDS include:

• Kaposi sarcoma, a slow-growing tumour that can appear as a red mass in the corner of the eye or as a purple nodule on the eyelid
• Ocular shingles, in which the virus responsible for chickenpox damages the eye and the tissue around it.

What causes changes in the brain?

Finally, AIDS often affects the brain as well, which can lead to:

• problems with eye movement
• blurred vision
• double vision
• blindness

What symptoms are associated with AIDS-related eye problems?

Symptoms may include:

• painless loss of vision
• a bright red growth near the corner of the eye (Kaposi sarcoma)
• blurred vision
• watery eyes
• red eyes
• sensitivity to light
• swollen eyelids
• eye pain
• fluid-filled blisters on or inside the eyelids, or elsewhere on the face