Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations of HIV Infection

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To review the broad spectrum of clinical neuro-ophthalmic presentations associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Methods: Critical review of the literature regarding neuro-ophthalmic consequences of HIV infection and its sequelae.

Results: Neuro-ophthalmological diseases are common in both asymptomatic HIV-positive patients and those who profound immunosuppression with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of HIV infection can involve the afferent or efferent visual pathway. Common clinical presentations include headache, papilledema, chorioretinitis, optic nerve involvement, meningitis, and cranial nerve palsies. Other neuro-ophthalmic manifestations include involvement of the visual pathway in the brain producing visual field defects such as occur in progressive multifocal encephalopathy. Pupil abnormalities have also been reported.

Discussion: Neuro-ophthalmic consequences of HIV are important to recognize as it is critical to identify underlying neoplastic or infectious diseases which could be amenable to treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• optic neuropathy
• papilledema
• headache
• syphilis

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Research to Prevent Blindness [Unrestricted grant to the Stein Eye Institute].