Vision and HIV query

[Growler]

Vision has deteriorated quite a bit over the last few months, cant read a more than a page or two of a book without it getting swirly and the world is now abit blurry up close. So I figure I might have to go see an optometrist. Is there anything HIV specific I should ask them to look out for?
Thanks
GROWLER

[denb45]

About 75% of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) patients develop eye problems of some sort.

The retina (the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye) is most commonly affected. Tiny retinal hemorrhages and cotton-wool spots are early signs of infection and are often detected during an eye exam.

A cotton-wool spot, which looks white and fluffy, is caused by a circulatory disturbance in a tiny area of the retina.

This disturbance may also cause small blood spots or hemorrhages. Since other diseases can produce the same findings, cotton-wool spots and tiny retinal hemorrhages are not diagnostic of AIDS.

Growler yes, get your eyes checked, I do this at least once a yr. 

[Matty the Damned]

Growley One,

Better to see an ophthalmologist than a spectacles dispenser.

MtD

[Buckmark]

Better to see an ophthalmologist than a spectacles dispenser.

This.  I was just replying with the same.  Since your vision change has been fairly rapid, please see an opthalmologist.  From what I saw on previous posts, your CD4 count of 510 makes CMVC retinitis highly doubtful.  But a good opthal will want to dilate your pupils and take a good look at your retina.

[Growler]

Thanks guys.  I figured it's just old age catching up with me,  but it's good to know that theres no  major issues for the eyes from a HIV perspective to be concerned about.  I'll stick with the optometrist for the moment. Need a Drs referral for the other one and I'm avoiding them like the plague.
Cheers
GROWLER

[Grasshopper]

Dry eyes can also cause blurred vision and burning sensation in the eyes. Sounds like eye problems I used to have in the past. My partner is having similar problems at the moment (dry air in the office)  and was prescribed "moisturizing eye gel" by an ophthalmologist.

[mikeyb39]

Hi All,

I don't mean to hijack your thread Growler, but I was sort of wondering the same thing.   I wear glasses and have always gone to a reg eye doctor, but havent been since diagnosed.  should I go back to a regular eye doctor or should i see an actual Ophthamalogist?  its time to get a new pair of glasses.  My eyes seem to be getting worse, but I don't wear my glasses all the time like i'm supposed to.

thanks

[Billy B]

I have been using an Ophthalmologist for the past 20 years. They are trained in recognizing and treating eye disease. I started having vision problems (occasional blurred vision & halos around lights at night). I have dry eyes from too much time in front of a computer. Drops have helped but the best relief can when I started using warm compresses at night to help clear my tear ducts.
Billy

[Hellraiser]

Any optometrist worth his or her salt will know roughly what's going on with your eye, detect it, and send you to an ophthalmologist if you need to see one.  With that said Most adults need reading glasses between the ages of 40-44.  It happens earlier or later sometimes but it always happens.  It sounds like what you're going through but I would definitely recommend seeing an optometrist and if he thinks it's something more serious get a referral to an ophthalmologist.

As for HIV specific things, CMV is the worst offender but generally only when your immune system is severely compromised can this happen.  I've seen damage to the cornea (outer part of the eye which helps to refract light for vision) caused by HIV and Syphillis both but it is exceedingly rare.  Usually it's not the damage that's the problem but the fact that the body then begins to grow blood vessels to the problem which begin to affect vision.