HIV/AIDS Glossary

An infection of the retina of the eye caused by herpes viruses, most commonly the varicella zoster virus (VZV). ARN is characterized by necrosis (tissue death) of the retina, with the presence of a high degree of inflammation in the eye. Symptoms can include eye pain, light sensitivity, eye floaters and flashes, loss of visual clarity, blurred vision, or a narrowed visual field. The condition can lead to retinal detachment, vision loss, and blindness if untreated. ARN typically occurs in people who have healthy immune systems but can also occur in people who are immunocompromised (such as people with HIV).