Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the eye.

Patients with AIDS or ARC may develop ocular manifestations falling in four broad categories: (1) conjunctival and periorbital disease, (2) neuro-ophthalmologic abnormalities, (3) retinal microangiopathy, and (4) opportunistic retinal and choroidal infections. Careful ophthalmologic examination generally permits identification and differentiation of these entities. Although ocular involvement is frequently a harbinger of an unfavorable systemic prognosis, specific drug therapy may be of some benefit in arresting disease in selected individuals. Further advances in the diagnosis and treatment of AIDS-related ocular tumors and infections may improve the quality of life for these patients.