Chorioretinitis
Chorioretinitis Complications
Chorioretinitis is a common effect of other more complicated diseases, and this occurs to people with a weak immune system. Immunocompetent patients easily acquire organisms such as Baylisascaris or Toxocora, which thrive on human tissues like the retina. You may find the diseases present in patients with AIDS, as well as those who suffer from the Epstein-Barr virus and the varicella-zoster virus. The disease may be reactivated because of the same reasons. Even when cured, there is still a big possibility for chorioretinitis to come back, as this is triggered by tuberculosis and AIDS. Therefore, it is recommended for the patient to consume foods that strengthen their immune defenses to keep the bacteria, fungi and viruses from coming back and cause further damage.
Chorioretinitis Definition
Choriorentinitis is an inflammatory illness involving the eye's retinal vessels. It is caused by bacterial, viral, or protozoan infections. When not treated, choriorentinitis may completely damage the retina and cause poor visions for the person with the said disease.
Chorioretinitis Diagnosis
The disease is diagnosed when yellowish-white patches or streaks are found in the retina while the patient is observed under an ophthalmoscope. These patches are already lesions caused by the infection.
Chorioretinitis Epidemiology
Chorioretinitis occurs mostly on children, especially those with a poor immune system, and it is usually caused by congenital toxoplasmosis, a microorganism that thrives in the eye?s retina. For adults, the disease is caused by either a fungus or virus, the most common being the congenital cytomegalovirus. Other causes may include recently studied pathogens such as the West Nile virus and the lymphatic choriomeningitis virus. The disease may remain active for many years when not attended.
Chorioretinitis Implications
Upon the treatment of chorioretinitis, it is noticeable for the patient?s eye color to look pigmented, as scars form on the places the diseases has damaged. Scotomas also take on the place where the lesions were formed, but these do not cause total visual loss. However, when the disease has done severe damages to the eye, particularly on the macula, it is then expected for the patient to have weaker eyesight, or even loss of vision.
Chorioretinitis Symptoms and Signs
Persons with chorioretinitis usually experience blurring eyesight, minimal pain and constricted pupils.
Chorioretinitis Treatment
Once diagnosed, chorioretinitis should be treated immediately with anti-infective drugs as well as systemic corticosteroids. The disease may cause gradual loss of vision to the patient when it not attended right away. Also, the patient must undergo other medical tests to ensure that other diseases such as tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis are not present, as they may emerge as a side effect of corticosteroids.