“Looking Out for Your Eyes” Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common eye disease affecting
people living with AIDS. It occurs in approximately 20% of individuals with CD4
counts below 200. Although CMV can affect many organs in the body, the most
common CMV infection occurs in the retina portion of the eye and can result in
damage to eyesight.
Retinal infection with CMV can distort vision and, if untreated, may cause
blindness. CMV attacks the retina by causing swelling and progressive
deterioration. Treatments are available to stop progression, but there are no
treatments to repair damage caused by infection. Therefore, early detection and
treatment is very important in order to preserve eyesight and prevent serious
infection.
On Saturday, March 8, 10:30am, Dr. G. Scott Sawyer, a Houston eye specialist,
well known for his expertise in the management of CMV disease, will offer a
presentation on early care and treatment options for CMV disease. Dr. Sawyer’s
presentation is free and open to persons living with HIV disease, their
significant others, and health care providers. It will be offered at the
Canteen building on the grounds of the Austin State Hospital, 4100 Guadalupe.
The presentation will provide general information about CMV disease including
early warning signs. There will also be an opportunity to receive information
about self-screening, which, according to Dr. Sawyer, puts the person in a
position to be his or her own best friend in preserving vision. The
presentation will conclude with information about the role of medical
management and various treatment options.
For more information, call Sylvia Lopez, ASA Wellness Programs, at 406-6162.
Raquel Tanner, RN
ASA Nursing Program Coordinator
This article appears in February 28 • 1997 and February 28 • 1997 (Cover).