A STUDY OF OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS IN HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS AT TERTIARY CARE RURAL HOSPITAL

Study Design-Hospital-based Descriptive Cross-Sectional PURPOSE-To study different ocular manifestations in patients who are HIV positive having ocular symptoms and their CD4 count status with respect to ocular manifestations.

Methods-A total of 50 HIV positive patients having ocular symptoms were evaluated on basis of detailed history and examination including CD4 count, anterior segment and fundus evaluation.

Results-Out of 50 patients in the study, most common presentation was diminution of vision -70%,anterior segment finding was keratouveitis-18% and posterior segment finding was HIV retinopathy-30%.A significant positive correlation was found between the CD4 counts and severity of ocular manifestations which increased with decrease in CD4 counts.

Conclusion-A comprehensive ophthalmic examination is essential for all patients having HIV to prevent and manage vision threatening complications.

Clinical Implication- Advances in HIV treatment have improved patient outcomes, however many still develop ocular complications. As ophthalmologists we play a vital role in their care by collaborating with other healthcare professionals to address these issues and develop management strategies to prevent vision loss.