Abstract
HIV and AIDS can result in visual impairment, therefore it is important that those who have or atrisk of contracting the disease have a basic knowledge of its ocular manifestations, so that they may seek eye care early. This study assessed the per-ceptions of a sample of senior high school students at the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, South Africa about the ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS and its management. Questionnaires were distributed to the students in their classrooms after school hours and upon completion were collected the same day. Data analysis revealed that 27.8% of the participants agreed that HIV/AIDS can affect the eyes. Another 27.8% responded that HIV/AIDS could cause dry eyes. Less than a third (31.4%) indicated that the disease could cause red eyes, 31.5% and 38.1% respectively indicated that HIV/AIDS could cause cancer of the eyelids and the eyeball. About half of the respondents (52%) agreed that the disease could cause swollen eyelids; while about 46% agreed that vision loss or blindness could occur in HIV/AIDS. Many (65.6%) indicated that an ophthalmologist or an optometrist should be consulted for HIV/AIDS-related eye problems and only 16.5% reported that traditional healers could be consulted. Perception about the ocular manifestations of HIV and AIDS is poor among the participants, suggesting a need for awareness campaigns and education. (S Afr Optom 2012 71(3) 117-122)
Highlights
Sub-Saharan Africa has just over 10% of the world’s population, yet is home to more than 60% of all people living with HIV1
HIV may cause optic atrophy and diplopia, the latter due to palsies of cranial nerves III, IV, and VI21. With such serious ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS, it is important for those living with the condition and those who are at risk of contracting the disease to have basic knowledge of its ocular manifestations
According to the United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS) programme on HIV/AIDS and World Health Organization (WHO) report (2008), worldwide young people account for 45% of new HIV infections[3], presumably because they are more sexually active and are more likely to take risks such as unprotected sexual activity; young people were targeted in this study
Summary
Sub-Saharan Africa has just over 10% of the world’s population, yet is home to more than 60% of all people living with HIV1. South Africa has a high prevalence of HIV and AIDS and for example, a prevalence of 10.6% was reported in a peri-urban community population[2]. In 2008, an estimated 5.7 million South Africans were living with HIV/AIDS3. South Africa about ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS opportunistic organisms may gain access into the body including the eyes, causing various diseases. Visual impairment is a public health problem and constitutes an important socioeconomic burden on Sub-Saharan Africa[4]. HIV/AIDS-related eye infections may compound the already high prevalence of visual impairment in the region. Ocular or orbital diseases may be the first manifestations of HIV/AIDS and can be an indicator of previously undiagnosed HIV infection[5]. It is important that those who have the disease or who are at risk of contracting it be aware of both the systemic and ocular implications of the condition
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