Ocular Complications in Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: A Case Report

Our article aims to report the ocular adverse effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In case 1, a 26-year-old male patient presented with a diminution of vision. In the absence of active cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and a surge in CD4 count of more than 100 cells/µL over four months, he was diagnosed as a case of immune recovery uveitis (IRU). He responded well to topical steroids and cycloplegics. In case 2, while dry eye is a common adverse effect of HAART, our 53-year-old female patient progressed to a visually distressing stage of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. She responded to lubricants and continues to be on the same. In case 3, a 14-year-old female patient’s vision succumbed to Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to nevirapine in the absence of timely intervention. Though uncommon, debilitating ocular adverse effects may be seen with HAART. Further studies and reporting are required for an increased awareness among physicians and patients.