Cytomegalovirus Retinitis (CMV Retinitis)

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis (CMV Retinitis)

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What Is Cytomegalovirus Retinitis (CMV Retinitis)?

    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis is a virus that may infect the retina and potentially cause irreversible vision loss due to retinal detachment or destruction. It is most often diagnosed in patients with a severely compromised immune system, including those with AIDS or those on chronic immunosuppressive therapy following organ transplantation. 

    Although a large percentage of the human population is infected with the virus, only those with significant compromise of the immune system develop retinitis. During the height of the AIDS epidemic, nearly 30 percent of AIDS patients developed CMV retinitis. Those at highest risk have a CD4+ T-lymphocyte count less than 50 cells/mm3 (normal >500 cells/mm3). With the advent of HIV-fighting antiretroviral therapy in the late 1990s, the incidence of CMV retinitis declined dramatically. 

    Causes

    CMV retinitis is caused by retinal infection with cytomegalovirus in patients with moderate to severe immune compromise.

    Risk Factors

    • HIV/AIDS
    • Immunosuppressive therapy (eg. after organ transplantation)
    • Cancer chemotherapy
    • Advanced age

    Appointment Information

    For more information or to make an appointment, call 734-764-4190.

    What are the symptoms of CMV retinitis?
    • Blurry vision
    • Floaters
    • Increased sensitivity to light
    • Loss of peripheral vision

    The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have CMV retinitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist for a complete exam.

    How is CMV retinitis diagnosed?

    CMV retinitis is usually diagnosed based on the findings of a complete eye examination. In atypical or unusual cases, a small specimen of fluid may be withdrawn from the eye for laboratory testing. 

    How is CMV retinitis treated?

    Recent advances in oral medications have allowed us to treat CMV retinitis with high-dose oral valganciclovir with or without direct injection of antiviral drugs into the eye. It is important for the patient’s physician to monitor blood work during the treatment course. Treatment of the underlying systemic disease (AIDS, leukemia, etc.) is of great importance for reducing severity of retinitis and preventing recurrence. The goal of treatment is to retain present vision and to limit retinal damage. Unfortunately, individuals who do not receive or respond to treatment may progress to retinal detachment, severely limiting visual potential.

    Locations
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
      Entrance 1, Level 2
      Brighton, MI 48116-9416       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center-Grand Blanc 3181 E Grand Blanc Rd
      Grand Blanc, MI 48439-2709       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Retina & Uveitis Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall St
      Elevator B Floor 2
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1912       Get Directions

    Doctors

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    Cagri Giray Besirli, MD, PhD

    Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Grant Michael Comer, MD

    Grant Michael Comer, MD, MS

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Susan Gail Elner, MD

    Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Emily A. Eton, MD

    Emily Ann Eton, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Abigail Teich Fahim, MD

    Abigail Teich Fahim, MD, PhD

    Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Thomas Wright Gardner, MD

    Thomas Wright Gardner, MD, MS

    Professor

    Ophthalmology

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    Michael Jacob Huvard, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Mark W. Johnson

    Mark W Johnson, MD

    Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Shilpa Kodati, MBBS

    Shilpa Kodati, MBBS

    Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Jason Matthew Lewis Miller, MD

    Jason Matthew Lewis Miller, MD PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

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