HIV/AIDS Glossary

An infection of the retina of the eye caused most often by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). PORN is characterized by necrosis (tissue death) of the outer layers of the retina, with the presence of a minimal amount of inflammation in the eye. Symptoms can include eye floaters and flashes, loss of visual clarity, blurred vision, or a narrowed visual field. Eye pain and light sensitivity are usually absent. The condition progresses very rapidly to involve the entire retina and often leads to retinal detachment, vision loss, and blindness if untreated. PORN generally occurs in people who are severely immunocompromised, such as people with AIDS.