Cytomegalovirus retinitis

Cytomegalovirus retinitis:

Cytomegalovirus retinitis: Introduction

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is a serious infection of the eye. Cytomegalovirus retinitis is caused by the cytomegalovirus, a type of herpes virus. Cytomegalovirus is a very common virus, to which most people are exposed in their lifetime. However, people who develop cytomegalovirus retinitis after exposure to the virus are generally those with weakened immune systems, such as people with AIDS; who have had an organ or bone marrow transplant; or take chemotherapy or drugs that suppress the immune system.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis, also called CMV retinitis, causes a serious inflammation and degeneration of the retina. The retina is a membrane that lines the back of the eye and contains light-sensitive nerve cells. A healthy retina is crucial to transforming light, color, and forms into nerve impulses and transmitting them to the optic nerve and the brain.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis can be very serious and can affect one or both eyes and lead to blindness and other complications. Symptoms of cytomegalovirus retinitis include blurred vision and other problems with vision. Many people with cytomegalovirus retinitis may have no symptoms. To learn more about other important symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Diagnosing cytomegalovirus retinitis begins with taking a thorough personal and family medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination that includes a thorough eye examination. This will also rule out eye conditions and diseases with similar symptoms, such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, cataracts, and glaucoma. A referral is generally made to an ophthalmologist, an eye specialist, for diagnosis and treatment. Care is also given by other physicians and surgeons that are highly specialized in the care of eye diseases.

An eye examination includes testing pupil response to light, visual acuity or sharpness of vision, checking the sharpness of peripheral vision, and testing the pressure of the inside the eye. The outer eye is examined using an instrument called a slit lamp, and the inner eye is examined using an instrument call an ophthalmoscope. Another test involves temporarily staining the eye with a special eye drop, which makes certain kinds of trauma to the eye visible to the ophthalmologist.

Blood and urine tests are also done to confirm a cytomegalovirus retinitis infection.

A diagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis may be missed or delayed because many people do not have symptoms, and because symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other disorders, diseases or conditions. To learn more about disorders, diseases and conditions that can mimic cytomegalovirus retinitis, refer to misdiagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Treatment for cytomegalovirus retinitis includes antiviral medications regular eye care to monitor the condition. For more details on treatment plans and prognosis, refer to treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis. ...more »

Cytomegalovirus retinitis: Inflammation of the retina of the eye which can cause blindness. The cytomegalovirus is an easily transmissible viral infection that is common but generally causes no symptoms except in infants and people with weakened immune systems. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Cytomegalovirus retinitis is available below.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis: Symptoms

Many people with cytomegalovirus retinitis do not have symptoms. Symptoms of cytomegalovirus retinitis can affect one or both eyes. Cytomegalovirus retinitis tends to start in one eye and spread to the other eye.

Symptoms of cytomegalovirus retinitis are due to inflammation, swelling and irritation of the retina. The retina is a membrane that lines the back of the eye ...more symptoms »

Cytomegalovirus retinitis: Treatments

Cytomegalovirus retinitis can be difficult to treat in some people and it is not always possible to stop progression of the disease. However, early diagnosis and treatment is critical to minimizing the risks of developing serious complications, such as blindness and retinal detachment.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis includes antiviral drugs. Treatment often needs to be ...more treatments »

Cytomegalovirus retinitis: Misdiagnosis

A diagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis may be delayed or missed because there are often no symptoms. In addition, symptoms of cytomegalovirus retinitis can be similar to symptoms of other diseases and conditions, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, cataracts, uveitis, glaucoma, and choroiditis. ...more misdiagnosis »