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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
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Retinal Pathophysiological Evaluation in a Rat Model
Published on: May 6, 2022
Literature Review and Institutional Imaging Analysis of Ritonavir Retinal Toxicity.
Carla G Dias1, Tobin B T Thuma1, Lili Gerendas1,2
1Israel Englander Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Ritonavir (an HIV protease inhibitor) retinal toxicity appears less common than previously thought. Further research may reveal genetic predispositions or misdiagnosed hereditary conditions in prior reports.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor crucial for HIV treatment.
- Potential ocular side effects, specifically retinal toxicity, warrant investigation.
- Understanding ritonavir's safety profile is vital for long-term patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence and characteristics of ritonavir-associated retinal toxicity.
- To differentiate ritonavir toxicity from other retinal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive literature review of ritonavir retinal toxicity.
- Performed a retrospective chart review of patients receiving ritonavir with retinal imaging.
- Analyzed retinal images for specific morphological changes.
Main Results:
- Literature review identified 16 potential ritonavir retinal toxicity cases, with 44% reporting liver dysfunction.
- Retinal imaging of 483 patients on ritonavir showed no instances of toxicity.
- Findings suggest a potential dissociation between liver and retinal toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Ritonavir-induced retinal toxicity may be rarer than previously reported.
- Genetic predisposition could play a role in susceptibility to ritonavir toxicity.
- Some reported cases might be misdiagnosed hereditary maculopathies.
