Can you go blind with hiv?

HIV can lead to blindness if it is not treated promptly and effectively.

HIV attacks the immune system, making people more susceptible to various infections and diseases. One of the severe complications of HIV is cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, an eye infection that can cause significant damage to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. If left untreated, CMV retinitis can lead to blindness.

However, with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which suppresses HIV replication and reduces the viral load, the incidence of CMV retinitis and other severe opportunistic infections has significantly declined. Regular monitoring of HIV-infected individuals, early diagnosis, and timely treatment of eye complications are crucial in preventing blindness and maintaining visual health.