CMV RetinitisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About CMV Retinitis
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a viral infection of the retina of the eye resulting in inflammation.
Cytomegalovirus retinitis
CMV is a member of a group of herpes-type viruses. Infection with CMV is very common. Most people are exposed to CMV in their lifetime, but typically only those with weakened immune systems become ill from CMV infection.
Serious CMV infections can occur in people who have weakened immune systems as a result of:
- HIV/AIDS
- Bone marrow transplantation
- Chemotherapy
- Medicines that suppress the immune system
- Organ transplant
Some people with CMV retinitis have no symptoms.
If there are symptoms, they may include:
- Blind spots
- Blurred vision and other vision problems
- Floaters
Retinitis usually begins in one eye, but often progresses to the other eye. Without treatment, damage to the retina can lead to blindness in 4 to 6 months or less.
The goal of treatment is to stop the virus from replicating and to stabilize or restore vision and prevent blindness. Long-term treatment is often needed. Medicines may be given by mouth (orally), through a vein (intravenously), or injected directly into the eye (intravitreously).
Thomas Albini is an Ophthalmologist practicing medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr. Albini is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of CMV Retinitis. He is also highly rated in 28 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Endophthalmitis, Uveitis, Birdshot Chorioretinopathy, Vitrectomy, and Cataract Removal. Dr. Albini is currently accepting new patients.
Regents Of The Univ. Of California
Jeremy Keenan is an Ophthalmologist practicing medicine in San Francisco, California. Dr. Keenan is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of CMV Retinitis. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), CMV Retinitis, Interstitial Keratitis, Trabeculectomy, and Corneal Transplant.
Janet Davis is an Ophthalmologist practicing medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr. Davis is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of CMV Retinitis. She is also highly rated in 25 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Uveitis, Birdshot Chorioretinopathy, Endophthalmitis, Vitrectomy, and Cataract Removal. Dr. Davis is currently accepting new patients.
Even with treatment, the disease can worsen to blindness. This progression may happen because the virus becomes resistant to the antiviral medicines so the medicines are no longer effective, or because the person's immune system has deteriorated further.
CMV retinitis may also lead to retinal detachment, in which the retina detaches from the back of the eye, causing blindness.
Complications that may result include:
- Kidney function impairment (from medicines used to treat the condition)
- Low white blood cell count (from medicines used to treat the condition)
If symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop, contact your provider.
People with HIV/AIDS (especially those with a very low CD4 count) who have vision problems should make an appointment right away for an eye exam.
A CMV infection usually only causes symptoms in people with a weakened immune system. Certain medicines (such as cancer therapy) and diseases (such as HIV/AIDS) can cause a weakened immune system.
People with AIDS who have a CD4 count of less than 50 cells/microliter (cells/µL) or 50 cells/cubic millimeter (cells/mm3) should be examined regularly for this condition, even if they do not have symptoms. If you had CMV retinitis in the past, ask your provider if you need treatment to prevent its return.
Summary: The goal of this exploratory clinical study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Cytomegalovirus-Specific T cells (LB-DTK-CMV) to treat patients diagnosed with antiviral-resistant and refractory cytomegalovirus retinitis. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What adverse events occur after the infusion of LB-DTK-CMV? * What is the duration of efficacy following treatment? * Is there a ...
Summary: Clinical study of high concentration ganciclovir eye drops in the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis
Published Date: December 13, 2025
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Boivin G, Limaye AP. Cytomegalovirus. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 347.
Britt WJ. Cytomegalovirus. In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 144.
Freund KB, Sarraf D, Mieler WF, Yannuzzi LA. Infection. In: Freund KB, Sarraf D, Mieler WF, Yannuzzi LA, eds. Retinal Atlas, The. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 5.