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Retinal vascular index variation linked to abnormal visual function in patients with AIDS
Am J Ophthalmol. 2011;doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2011.08.027.
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Variations in retinal vasculature among patients with AIDS may be associated with abnormal visual function, manifested by acuity loss and possibly reduced contract sensitivity, a study found.
The longitudinal, observational, cohort analysis evaluated data for 1,250 participants of the Longitudinal Studies of Ocular Complications of AIDS who lacked ocular opportunistic infections at initial presentation. Multiple linear regression models established relationships between indices and visual function variables.
A smaller arteriole-to-venule ratio was linked to reduced visual field by Goldmann perimetry (P = .003) and worse mean deviation (P = .02) on automated perimetry. The smaller ratio may also be associated with worse pattern standard deviation (P = .06).
"Relationships are consistent with the hypothesis that HIV-related retinal vasculopathy is a contributing factor to vision dysfunction among HIV-infected individuals. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether changes in indices predict change in visual function," the study authors wrote.
The authors noted that the study's limitations included lipids potentially influencing retinal vasculature, arteriole-to-venule ratio not being a true measure of vessel caliber and an inability to demonstrate causation.