Contact lens considerations for patients infected with HIV

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease presents numerous complications affecting contact lens wearers.
• Advances in anti-HIV medications allow infected individuals to live longer, increasing potential contact lens candidacy.
• Eye care practitioners require awareness of HIV's impact on ocular health and contact lens management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform eye care practitioners about managing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients who wear contact lenses.
• To highlight the potential increased risk of corneal infections, especially from opportunistic pathogens, in immunocompromised HIV patients wearing contact lenses.

Main Methods:

• Review of common anterior segment HIV-related ocular complications impacting contact lens wear.
• Discussion of specific conditions: keratoconjunctivitis sicca, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis, molluscum contagiosum, bacterial keratitis, conjunctival microvasculopathy, and Kaposi's sarcoma.
• Examination of in-office infection control and proper contact lens care/disinfection protocols for HIV patients.

Main Results:

• HIV infection can lead to various anterior segment complications that may preclude contact lens wear.
• Immunocompromised status in HIV patients heightens the risk of opportunistic infections with contact lens use.
• Specific HIV-related conditions necessitate careful evaluation and management strategies for contact lens wearers.

Conclusions:

• Eye care professionals play a crucial role in the safe contact lens wear for patients with HIV.
• Understanding HIV-related ocular sequelae is essential for appropriate patient selection and management.
• Adherence to infection control and disinfection protocols is paramount for minimizing risks in this patient population.