Synopsis: On World AIDS Day, which was on December 1^st, 2024, OCULAR Interface spotlighted the critical link between HIV and eye health, raising awareness about conditions like cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, uveitis, and HIV retinopathy. The initiative stressed the importance of routine eye exams and early intervention as part of comprehensive HIV care. By educating the public and promoting proactive eye health, OCULAR Interface aims to empower individuals living with HIV to safeguard their vision and enhance their overall quality of life.

On World AIDS Day 2024, OCULAR Interface took a significant step in raising awareness about the intersection of HIV and eye health. Recognising the often-overlooked impact of HIV on vision, the initiative highlighted common eye conditions associated with the virus, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, uveitis, and HIV retinopathy.

People living with HIV are at a higher risk for developing ocular conditions due to the virus’s effects on the immune system. ¹ CMV retinitis is a severe retinal infection, caused by human cytomegalovirus often seen in individuals with advanced immunosuppression. It starts with the onset of floaters and gradually the peripheral vision starts deteriorating. This further leads to loss of central vision and, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. ²

HIV-induced uveitis presents as a posterior segment disease by crossing the blood-retinal barrier. The virus replicates within the ocular cavity, causing uveitis. ³

HIV retinopathy is a noninfectious retinal microvasculopathy and the most common ocular manifestation of HIV infection. It is characterised by cotton wool spots (the most common manifestation), dot-blot and flame-shaped hemorrhages, white-centered hemorrhages, and capillary nonperfusion. ⁴

OCULAR Interface emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in preventing permanent vision loss. Routine eye examinations and close monitoring of individuals with HIV were underscored as critical components of comprehensive care.

As a global organisation, OCULAR Interface supports the public view to destigmatise HIV-related complications and encourage individuals living with HIV to prioritise their eye health. By shedding light on these conditions, the initiative hopes to foster greater awareness and action in the fight against both HIV and its associated health challenges.

World AIDS Day continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of holistic care for people living with HIV, including safeguarding their vision for a brighter future.

References:

1. Arora R., Sandhu N., Dokania P., Subramanian A. Ocular Manifestations in Patients of HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Infection on Combined Anti-Retroviral Therapy (CART) Ocul. Immunol. Inflamm. 2021;30:1399–1407. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1881562.
2. Zhang J, Kamoi K, Zong Y, Yang M, Zou Y, Miyagaki M, Ohno-Matsui K. Cytomegalovirus Retinitis: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis and Treatment. Viruses. 2024 Sep 7;16(9):1427. doi: 10.3390/v16091427. PMID: 39339903; PMCID: PMC11437412.
3. Yang M, Kamoi K, Zong Y, Zhang J, Ohno-Matsui K. Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Uveitis. Viruses. 2023 Feb 5;15(2):444. doi: 10.3390/v15020444. PMID: 36851658; PMCID: PMC9962278.
4. Dunn, J.P. (2022). HIV Retinopathy. In: Albert, D.M., Miller, J.W., Azar, D.T., Young, L.H. (eds) Albert and Jakobiec’s Principles and Practice of Ophthalmology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42634-7_32.