Living with Cytomegalovirus retinitis
A viral infection of the retina at the back of the eye that can damage vision.
Understanding Cytomegalovirus retinitis
The infection can cause tissue damage, bleeding, and swelling in the retina. It is a major opportunistic infection in people with AIDS, meaning it takes advantage of a weakened immune system. It can cause blindness.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. Its summary describes these changes in the retina:
- Death of retinal tissue (necrosis)
- Bleeding in the retina
- Swelling in the retina (retinal edema)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National CMV Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by infection of the retina with cytomegalovirus.
Also known as: cmv - cytomegalovirus retinitis; cmv retinitis; cytomegaloviral retinitis; cytomegalovirus caused retinitis; retinitis, cytomegaloviral
Patient organizations
- National CMV FoundationCytomegalovirus retinitis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Cytomegalovirus retinitis.
Explore research for Cytomegalovirus retinitis
Explore actively recruiting Cytomegalovirus retinitis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Cytomegalovirus retinitis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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