Vitreous fluorophotometric recordings in HIV infection

Fluorophotometry was performed in 10 patients. Five of these were affected by AIDS and five ARC (AIDS Related Complex). All patients had normal fundi detectable by standard examination and by fluorescein angiography. In spite of the normal condition of the fundus, vitreous fluorophotometry readings were constantly above normal. We believe that the disturbance of the blood retinal barrier appears before any lesion detectable both clinically and by fluorangiography. It is possible that the first toxic effect of the retrovirus is at the level of the retinal vessels.