rss
Br J Ophthalmol 2000;84:877-880 doi:10.1136/bjo.84.8.877
  • Original Article
    • Clinical science

Screening for CMV retinitis using chromatic discrimination thresholds and achromatic contrast sensitivity

  1. Richard S B Newsoma,
  2. Gek L Onga,b,
  3. Tim L Jacksona,
  4. Ian Coldricka,
  5. Lionel G Ripleyb,
  6. Martin Fisherc,
  7. Anthony G Casswella
  1. aSussex Eye Hospital, Brighton, bSchool of Engineering, Sussex University, Brighton, cLawson Unit, Dept of HIV/GU Medicine, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton
  1. Mr R S B Newsom, Department of Ophthalmology, Southampton Eye Unit, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road Southampton SO16 6YDrbnewsom{at}dircon.co.uk
  • Accepted 24 February 2000

Abstract

BACKGROUND Many patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) are unaware of visual disturbance so screening is advocated for patients with HIV and low CD4 counts. Many tests of retinal function have been recommended but few are effective at detecting CMVR. We assess the potential of chromatic discrimination thresholds and achromatic contrast sensitivity as screening tests for patients with CMVR.

METHOD 11 HIV+ patients with CMVR, 16 age matched HIV+ patients, and 29 age matched controls were recruited. Visual acuity, chromatic discrimination thresholds, and achromatic contrast sensitivity were measured. Fundal examination was performed by slit lamp biomicroscopy for HIV+ patients. Those with CMVR were photographed and the CMVR graded from the photographs.

RESULTS Loss of chromatic discrimination was found in patients with CMVR (tritan p<0.0005, red/green p<0.05). The same group had deterioration in achromatic contrast sensitivity at 2.2, 3.4, and 10 cpd (p<0.05). There was correlation between the zone of CMVR with chromatic gratings (tritan r=0.83, p<0.005). No statistically significant difference was found between the HIV+ patients and the controls for all tests (p>0.1).

CONCLUSIONS HIV+ patients with CMVR have a loss of chromatic discrimination and achromatic contrast sensitivity and this may be used to screen HIV+ patients for CMVR.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content

    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.