The prevalence and causes of visual loss among HIV-infected individuals in Uganda

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2010 Jan;53(1):95-101. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181c313f0.

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of loss of visual acuity and to describe the ocular diseases associated with vision loss among HIV-infected individuals in Uganda.Methods: One thousand two hundred twelve HIV-positive individuals aged 18 years or older attending an HIV treatment site in Kampala,Uganda, were consecutively screened for loss of visual acuity using a Snellen chart. Those found to have a visual acuity of 6/9 or less in 1 or both eyes had a detailed ocular diagnostic evaluation.Results: One hundred thirty-six patients [11.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.49–13.13] had a visual acuity of 6/9 or less in at least 1 eye, with 74 (6.1%; 95% CI: 8.54–12.21) having bilaterally reduced presenting visual acuity. Eighty-eight (7.3%; 95% CI: 8.57–12.28)had a visual acuity of 6/18 or worse in at least 1 eye. Ocular diseases associated with reduced vision included cataract 16 (11.8%), optic nerve disease 20 (14.7%), refractive errors 35 (24.3%), and uveitis 44 (32.3%). Other diagnoses observed included diabetic retinopathy,maculopathies, corneal scars, glaucoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva.Conclusions: Visual impairment and ocular disease affect a large proportion of HIV-infected individuals presenting for HIV care in Uganda. Most causes of vision loss were treatable or could have been prevented with appropriate ophthalmic and medical care.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Causality
  • Comorbidity
  • Eye Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data
  • Uganda / epidemiology
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data
  • Vision Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Visual Acuity