Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with cytomegalovirus retinitis

The most important ocular opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS is cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Management of CMV retinitis has become complex, as the life expectancy of many patients has increased exponentially. Most retinal detachments in CMV retinitis are rhegmatogenous in nature. Because of atrophic changes in the retina and alterations in the vitreous, surgical management of these detachments leads to a stepladder approach. Options include laser demarcation, scleral buckle, and vitrectomy with silicone oil. In some patients, a combination of all three procedures may be necessary. Management in all cases should be individualized, with the realization that failure of retinal reattachment may occur.