Brought to you by the Better Vision Institute :
Dr. Wong lists a number of other diseases or conditions that have been associated with AIDS and can affect vision:
- Kaposi’s sarcoma – most common cancer associated with AIDS with darkish tumors that can appear on the eyelid;
- Microsporidiosis – parasites that work their way to the cornea and can cause vision loss;
- Ulcerative keratitis – although uncommon, bacteria can get into the eye, causing an ulcer on the cornea and potential vision loss;
- Kerato Conjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) – also called dry eye syndrome, affects the tear production which can cause vision difficulties and also affects HIV patients;
- Herpes zoster – also called shingles and caused by a weakened immune system, can appear on or near the eyes and destroy the cornea; and
- Molluscum contagiosum – viral lesions that can grow on the eyelid and the face.
- AIDS attacks the entire body – including the eyes –despite treatments that slow its progress and help patients live longer. “AIDS and HIV patients should be certain to have an eye doctor as part of their healthcare team,” says Dr. Wong.
