Why isn ophthalmology screening included in HABs list of measures?
Ophthalmology screening was removed from HAB’s list of measures as a result of several factors. The primary method for preventing severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is recognition of early manifestations of the disease. Current guidelines [ 1 ] recommend patients being made aware of the importance of increased floaters in the eye and advising them to assess their visual acuity regularly by using simple techniques, such as reading newsprint. This recommendation is considered a “BIII” recommendation. [ 2 ] Regular funduscopic examinations performed by an ophthalmologist are recommended by certain specialists for patients with low (e.g., <50 cells/µL) CD4 counts and is considered a "CIII" recommendation. Annual screening would not be sufficient to detect CMV retinitis as it invariably progresses, usually within 10-21 days after presentation in the absence of ART or anti-CMV therapy. The lack of clinical evidence, frequency of screening and cost all contributed to the removal of ophthalm
