Complications after implantation of intraocular devices in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Purpose: The authors report their surgical experience after sustained-release ganciclovir treatment, as well as replacing empty ganciclovir implants in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

Methods: Between November 1995 and August 1998, 79 eyes of 49 patients received 99 intravitreal ganciclovir implants. Patients were examined monthly after implant surgery.

Subretinal microsurgery with gradient index endoscopes.

State-of-the-art subretinal surgery involves a standard three-port pars plana entry, followed by an iatrogenic retinotomy to access the subretinal space. Subretinal manipulations through a small retinotomy are made possible by specially designed instruments. As the surgeon looks through the vitreous cavity, all subretinal maneuvers are obscured by the overlying retina.

Opportunistic infections of the eye in immunocompromised patients.

All opportunistic infections of the eye have their origin in the suppression of the immune system of the host. The immunosuppression can be acquired through the human immune deficiency virus or as a result of immunosuppressive therapy in solid-organ transplant recipients with a maintenance therapy of cyclosporin and prednisone or during chemotherapy in patients with myeloproliferative disorders. Generally, in less than 2% could severe opportunistic infections of the eye, like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or herpes virus infection, be found in transplant and cancer patients with chemotherapy.