CMV Retinitis: Get to Know the Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

CMV Retinitis is also known as the Cytomegalovirus is a serious viral eye infection of the retina. The infection is most likely to be found in a person having a weak immune system from HIV or AIDS. CMV is a type of herpes virus that infects the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye. The retina converts the light that hits the eye into electrical signals for your brain to interpret the images. However, the virus impacts the retina thereby impairing the vision.

In this article, we have drafted a complete guide about the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of CMV retinitis! 

What are the Symptoms of CMV Retinitis?

The symptoms of CMV Retinitis may not be noticeable at first and often starts in one eye. Over time, the virus spreads to the other eye as well. In most cases, the infection is diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 50 years. The following are the potential symptoms of the infection -

• Flashing lights
• Blurry eyesight
• Specks, dots, or lines also called floaters in your vision
• Blind spots in the middle of your vision
• Shadows along the sides of your view
• Sensitivity to light

Diagnosis of CMV Retinitis

Your doctor will dilate your pupils by giving you drops and thereafter examine your retina. He is likely to also remove a small sample of fluid from your eye in order to test for the virus. 

Prevention of CMV Retinitis

CMV Retinitis is majorly seen in people with a weak immune system due to HIV or AIDS. Hence the key to avoiding this infection is to keep the HIV under control which requires one to take the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) medications every day. The medication makes your immune system stronger to fight off invaders like the CMV.

Treatment of CMV Retinitis

CMV Retinitis is very much treatable, and there are at least 8 medications for the same, that we have listed below - 

• Intravenous Cidofovir or Cidnvair Injection
• Intravenous ganciclovir
• Intravenous foscarnet
• Intraocular ganciclovir device
• Oral leflunomide
• Oral valganciclovir
• Oral letermovir
• Intravitreal ganciclovir

You can read about the Cidnavir injection uses, effects, and benefits here!

Key Takeaways

CMV grows to be resistant to the drugs the longer you take them. Hence, it is crucial to clear up retinitis as quickly as possible. CMV retinitis can be treated with several medications, and around 95% of the people who take the treatment do well. The medication used to treat CMV belongs to the ant-viral class of drugs. 

One such medication with proven benefits is Cidofovir (Vistide). You can find this otherwise hard-to-find medication on our online portal JollyRX. We aim to improve Indian healthcare by making rare drugs easily accessible at affordable prices to ensure timely treatment