Ophthalmic Manifestations of HIV Patients in a Rural Area of Western Maharashtra, India

Introduction. HIV/AIDS is one of twenty first century's biggest global challenges to mankind with protean manifestations affecting all organs of our body, not even sparing the eyes. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS and their correlation with CD4-count in a rural area of India. Methods. A hospital based observational cross-sectional study was done on 40 HIV-positive patients presenting to ART center with ocular complaints. Data were collected using face-to-face interview, clinical examination, slit lamp examination, fundus examination, and laboratory investigations. Results. Out of 40 patients, 21 were males and 19 were females with mean age of 38.75 ± 13.9 years. HIV retinopathy was the most common HIV-associated ophthalmic lesion while anterior uveitis was the most common anterior segment finding. Posterior segment lesions showed significant association (P < 0.05) with low CD4-count of the patient. CMV retinitis, retinal detachment, tubercular chorioretinitis, and acute retinal necrosis were all seen in patients with CD4-count less than 100 cells/mm(3). Conclusions. HIV retinopathy, CMV retinitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and anterior uveitis are common ocular manifestations associated with HIV infection. Low CD4-count is a risk as well as predictor for ocular manifestations. There needs to be awareness of ocular involvement among HIV infected individuals and an increased emphasis on regular ophthalmic examination.