title: The prevalence and causes of visual loss among HIV-infected individuals in Uganda.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Mulago Hospital/Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.  ojsjuliet@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Juliet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Otiti-Sengeri
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Colebunders
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kempen
authors.forename: Allan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ronald
authors.forename: Merle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sande
authors.forename: Elly
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Katabira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D015984:Causality; D015897:Comorbidity; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity