Chronic posterior segment diseases

• Retinopathy due to chloroquine progresses slowly. When treating tuberculosis the toxicity of ethambutol for the eye should be monitored. Subacute myelo-optical neuropathy (SMON) has been reported with prolonged use of certain medicaments (clioquinol, prolonged administration of iodoquinol) used against intestinal infections (e.g. E. histolytica).

• Toxoplasmosis and CMV infection induced retinitis occur frequently in AIDS. Choroiditis can occur in a number of diseases (e.g. Behçet's syndrome, syphilis, onchocerciasis). Cryptococcosis frequently results in blindness in AIDS patients.

• Macula degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are important causes of blindness. Retinitis pigmentosa is not uncommon.

Category: Ophthalmology Notes