Retinal complications in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A case report

Increasing numbers of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are being reported. In the US literature the eye complications have been well documented but because so few cases of AIDS have been reported in South Africa, the retinal complications are largely unknown to those treating these patients. The retinal complications are due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. The patient described here developed the typical signs in both eyes. It is essential to examine the fundi of AIDS patients regularly. The presence of cotton-wool spots always precedes CMV retinitis, which leads to blindness; it is also of prognostic significance since all reported patients with CMV retinitis have died.