A Study of Ocular Complications of HIV/AIDS in a Teaching Medical College in North-Eastern India

ABSTRACT

Background: HIV infection/AIDS is becoming a public health hazard globally. Ocular complications of HIV/AIDS are very common and its severity increases as the disease progresses and ultimately leads to blindness. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence and type of ocular complications in patients with HIV/AIDS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on patients with HIV infection/AIDS who attended or referred to eye OPD and also cases from General Medicine ward of JNIMS. A complete ophthalmic evaluation of both anterior and posterior segments was conducted. HIV sero-positivity was established by ELISA and confirmed by Western Blot in all cases. Results: The majority of the patients were in the age group of 21-40yrs. The prevalence of ocular involvement was 47%. The commonest involvement was on posterior segment with HIV retinopathy and cotton wool spots (20%) and CMV retinitis (5%). Anterior segment involvement was 18% with conjunctival micro-vasculopathy being the commonest (8%) and HZO in 5 cases. Conclusion: HIV infection is fairly common in Manipur among the age group of 20-40yrs., IDU being the commonest route of infection. Ocular involvement occurred in 47% of cases and it may be the first manifestation. So, the ophthalmologist must be aware for prompt treatment and prevention of visual disabilities.