Care of the patient with AIDS and cytomegalovirus retinitis

1. The most common intraocular infection of persons with AIDS is cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, affecting an estimated 20%. Untreated, CMV retinitis is a progressive and destructive infection that results in blindness. 2. In approximately 20% of CMV retinitis patients, the lesions progress to retinal detachment. Surgical intervention is then recommended for retinal detachment complicating CMV retinitis. 3. Eighty percent of patients who have surgical intervention for CMV retinitis will not develop useful ambulatory eyesight. A great deal of psychological support will be required to help the patient cope with a severe visual deficit postoperatively.