Can CMV make you blind?
CMV retinitis may also lead to retinal detachment, in which the retina detaches from the back of the eye, causing blindness.
Is CMV retinitis reversible?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis is a virus that may infect the retina and potentially cause irreversible vision loss due to retinal detachment or destruction.
What virus can cause blindness?
Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. It is caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.
Can CMV cause optic neuritis?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) optic neuritis is a rapidly blinding disease. Untreated eyes have a final visual acuity of no light perception. Treated eyes maintain visual acuity of approximately 20/100. Relapse occurs often in subjects maintained on single-dose ganciclovir and is controlled by double-dose ganciclovir.
How do you know if CMV is active?
A blood test can detect the antibodies that the body creates when the immune system responds to CMV’s presence. A pregnant person has a minimal risk that reactivation of CMV may affect her developing baby. If a doctor suspects that a pregnant person has CMV, they may suggest an amniocentesis.
Does CMV go away?
There’s no cure for CMV. The virus stays inactive in your body and can cause more problems later. This reactivation is most common in people who’ve had stem cell and organ transplants.
Can retinitis be cured?
Retinitis is a disease that threatens vision by damaging the retina — the light-sensing tissue at the back of your eye. Although there’s no cure, there are steps you can take to protect your sight and make the most of the vision you have.
How is CMV retinitis diagnosed?
CMV retinitis is diagnosed through an ophthalmologic exam. Dilation of the pupils and ophthalmoscopy will show signs of CMV retinitis. CMV infection can be diagnosed with blood or urine tests that look for substances specific to the infection.