Ophthalmic manifestations of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

1. Ophthalmic manifestations of AIDS involve both anterior and posterior segments and can result in total loss of vision. Understanding of these ocular manifestations has become more important as this disease continues to proliferate. 2. Although the risk of infection by HIV in the ophthalmic setting is remote, ophthalmic health-care workers may come in contact with potentially infectious fluids in the course of normal ocular examination procedures. Infection control procedures are therefore recommended. 3. If health-care workers experience a possible exposure, they should consult a physician specializing in infectious diseases or internal medicine within 1 hour. Individuals should be evaluated for hepatitis B and tetanus, and considered for zidovudine chemoprophylaxis, in addition to being tested for HIV exposure.