Cytomegalovirus is a form of herpes. It is actually a common strain which many healthy people can be infected with and never know it. However, if a person with HIV, AIDS or another immune disorder gets this virus, it could lead to blindness.
How Cytomegalovirus Spreads
Always wash your hands thoroughly after coming in contact with the blood, semen, urine or breast milk of another person. If this person is infected with cytomegalovirus and you touch your eyes with dirty hands, the infection could be spread to you. It is also possible to get this illness from a blood transfusion, organ transplant or through unprotected sex.
Side effects
People with unhealthy immune systems who catch this virus will start to have many vision problems. These sight issues can include seeing spots, blurry vision and eventually blindness in both eyes. In addition, they can develop back pain and chronic bowel problems.
Diagnosis
If you have HIV, AIDS or another serious illness and you are experiencing these symptoms it is important to call your doctor. An eye doctor can check your retina for inflammation. Your primary care doctor can also take a urine or blood sample and have it sent out to see if you test positive for the virus.
Treating Cytomegalovirus
If your health is in poor shape, you may need up to two weeks of intense treatment therapy to help your body fight back. You will be given medication daily injected directly into your veins or inserted with a catheter. When you doctor believes you are stable, there are a number of oral medications that he can prescribe to you to keep this virus in check. There is no cure for this illness, but these pills can prevent cytomegalovirus from spreading and will also keep your symptoms under control. It is important to always take your medication as instructed and to see your eye doctor immediately if vision problems return. If not managed correctly this illness can cause permanent blindness in people with already weakened immune systems.
