Evaluation of correlation between ocular manifestations with CD4+ count in HIV patients: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: With the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), improved quality of life and reduced mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population have increased. The importance of visual acuity, in any individual is obvious, and heightened importance in those afflicted by disorders is even more crucial. In this context, this study reports details of a comprehensive ocular evaluation in a HIV population, and its’ correlation with severity of the disease. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of ocular manifestation and correlate CD4+ count levels, with incidence of ocular manifestations in HIV-positive patients. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated ophthalmic manifestations in patients diagnosed with HIV infection in an urban ophthalmological center. Detailed ophthalmological examination was conducted. Various parameters of the disease and severity of HIV were estimated and correlated with ophthalmological findings. Results: In 2 years, 300 HIV-positive (229 males) patients, mostly aged between 30 and 40 years, were assessed. 69 (23%) patients were found to have ocular manifestation, 73.9% were in the range of 0-5 years of HIV duration, 28 (9.3%) patients presented with anterior segment and 62 (26.6%) with posterior segment pathology, like HIV retinopathy. Cytomegalovirus retinitis poor visual acuity was observed in females (20.5%), aged 0-35 years, with HIV duration of 0-5 years and CD4+ count less than 200. Conclusions: The focus on a comprehensive ocular evaluation, irrespective of visual acuity and possi-bility of improvement in ocular follow-up of HIV-infected patients needs to be emphasized.