Seven Years of HAART Impact on Ophthalmic Management of HIV-Infected Patients

Purpose: The widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the clinical picture of HIV-associated eye disease. We evaluated the incidence of ocular manifestations of HIV infection since the introduction of HAART. Methods: Between January 1996 and December 2002, we examined 539 HIV-infected patients in our hospital. Follow-up of the patients was performed in case of ophthalmologic symptoms, regardless of current immunologic status, or for screening. Results: A total of 217 patients (40.3%) had HIV-associated eye disease. Of these patients, 42.0% had no eye symptoms. Fifty-eight (10.8%) of the 539 patients had cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, most of whom had CMV retinitis before receiving HAART. Four patients developed immune-recovery uveitis. A total of 145 patients (26.9%) had HIV-related microangiopathy and 96 (17.8%) had dry-eye syndrome. Conclusion: The introduction of HAART had a major impact on the medical history of patients with HIV-related eye disease with improved survival time and decreased morbidity.