AIM: To assess the changes of macular thickness of acquire immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS)patients.

METHODS: The study based on the data analysis of 38 human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)positive patients(64 eyes). According to CD4 count and whether cytomegalovirus retinitis(CMVR)happened, the patients were divided into 3 groups. Group A included 16 patients(32 eyes), in which CD4 count was <50cells/μL and CMVR did not happen. Group B included 10 patients(20 eyes), in which CD4 count was >50cells/μL and CMVR did not happen. Group C included 12 patients(12 eyes), in which CD4 count was <50cells/μL and CMVR just happened. Group D included 10 healthy people(20 eyes), as normal control group. By using optical coherence tomography(OCT), thickness of retina along with a 1mm diameter circle centered on macular was evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean foveal thicknesses in groups A, B, C and D were 254.03±15.63μm, 263.11±17.12μm, 304.50±50.62μm and 257.64±8.54μm in order. Compared with foveal thickness in each group, there were significant differences in general(F=12.933, P=0.000). The mean foveal thickness in groups CMVR increased, which was of significant difference(P=0.000), compared with other groups.

CONCLUSION: CMVR can impair the structure and function of macular, which then seriously affects the visual function of patients. It's helpful to understand the progress and prognosis of CMVR disease by observing macular structure with OCT in early time.