Question 1

What is CMV Retinitis?

Accepted Answer

CMV retinitis is a serious viral eye infection that can cause vision loss and blindness in people with weakened immune systems. It is caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common herpes virus that reactivates when the immune system cannot control it. The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies IgG test is the most important test for diagnosing CMV infection risk in immunocompromised individuals.

Question 2

What causes CMV retinitis?

Accepted Answer

CMV retinitis is caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpes virus family that remains dormant in the body after initial infection. When your immune system becomes severely weakened, such as from HIV/AIDS, organ transplant medications, or chemotherapy, CMV reactivates and can infect the retina at the back of your eye. The virus attacks retinal cells, causing inflammation and tissue damage that leads to vision problems and potentially permanent blindness if left untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for CMV retinitis?

Accepted Answer

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies IgG test is the most important test for CMV retinitis because it detects whether you have been exposed to CMV and helps assess your risk for developing retinitis if you are immunocompromised. This test identifies IgG antibodies that indicate past or current infection, which is essential since CMV can reactivate when your immune system weakens. The CMV Antibodies IgM Quantitative test is also valuable as it measures acute infection markers, with high IgM levels indicating active CMV infection that could be causing retinitis right now. Together, these tests help your doctor understand your infection status and determine whether you need preventive treatment or closer monitoring.

Question 4

When should I get tested for CMV retinitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a weakened immune system from HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, or chemotherapy and notice any vision changes like floaters, blurred vision, blind spots, or flashing lights. Testing is especially important if you have HIV with a CD4 count below 50 cells per microliter, as this puts you at highest risk for CMV retinitis. You should also consider testing if you are starting immunosuppressive medications or have been diagnosed with CMV infection elsewhere in your body, since the virus can spread to your eyes.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of CMV retinitis?

Accepted Answer

CMV retinitis symptoms include floaters that look like cobwebs or spots drifting across your vision, blurred or cloudy vision, blind spots or dark areas in your field of vision, and flashing lights or light sensitivity. Many people notice these symptoms start in one eye and gradually worsen over weeks or months. The infection typically does not cause pain or redness, which makes it easy to miss in early stages. If you are immunocompromised and experience any sudden vision changes, you need immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

Question 6

Who is at risk for CMV retinitis?

Accepted Answer

People with severely weakened immune systems are at highest risk for CMV retinitis, particularly those with HIV/AIDS who have CD4 counts below 50 cells per microliter. Organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive medications, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and people taking high-dose corticosteroids long-term also face increased risk. Anyone born with CMV or who contracted it early in life carries dormant virus that can reactivate when immunity drops. The widespread use of antiretroviral therapy has dramatically reduced CMV retinitis cases in HIV patients, but it remains a serious threat for anyone with compromised immunity.

Question 7

What happens if CMV retinitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated CMV retinitis leads to progressive and permanent vision loss, including complete blindness in the affected eye. The virus continues destroying retinal tissue, causing retinal detachment in about one-third of cases, which requires emergency surgery. The infection can spread to the other eye, eventually causing bilateral blindness. CMV can also spread throughout your body, causing life-threatening infections in your brain, lungs, digestive system, and other organs. Early detection and treatment are essential to preserve vision and prevent the infection from becoming systemic.

Question 8

Can CMV retinitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests for CMV antibodies help identify whether you have been infected with the virus and assess your risk for developing retinitis, but they cannot diagnose active retinitis in your eye. The CMV IgG and IgM antibody tests detect your immune response to the virus and indicate current or past infection. However, definitive diagnosis of CMV retinitis requires an eye examination by an ophthalmologist who can see the characteristic white, fluffy patches on your retina. Blood tests are valuable screening tools for immunocompromised patients and help guide preventive treatment decisions before retinitis develops.

Question 9

How is CMV retinitis treated?

Accepted Answer

CMV retinitis is treated with antiviral medications including ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir, which can be given orally, intravenously, or injected directly into the eye. Treatment must continue long-term to prevent the virus from reactivating and causing more damage. For HIV patients, the most important treatment is antiretroviral therapy to restore immune function, which allows your body to control CMV naturally. Some patients require surgical repair if retinal detachment occurs. Treatment can halt progression and preserve remaining vision, but it cannot restore vision already lost to the infection.

Question 10

How can I prevent CMV retinitis?

Accepted Answer

Prevention focuses on maintaining the strongest possible immune system through consistent antiretroviral therapy if you have HIV, proper medication adherence after organ transplant, and regular monitoring of your immune status. If you are severely immunocompromised, your doctor may prescribe preventive antiviral medication to stop CMV from reactivating. Regular eye examinations every three to six months help catch retinitis early when treatment is most effective. Good hygiene practices like handwashing reduce CMV transmission risk, though most adults already carry dormant virus from childhood exposure.

Question 11

What can I do at home for CMV retinitis?

Accepted Answer

At home, you should take all prescribed antiviral medications exactly as directed and never skip doses, as this allows the virus to multiply rapidly. Attend all scheduled eye examinations and report any vision changes immediately to your doctor. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with nutritious foods, adequate sleep, and stress management to support your immune system. Avoid exposure to people with active infections that could further weaken your immunity. Keep a journal of any vision changes with dates and descriptions to share with your healthcare team. While no home remedies can treat CMV retinitis, these supportive measures help your medical treatment work more effectively.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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CMV Retinitis Blood Test

What is CMV Retinitis?

What causes CMV retinitis?

What is the best test for CMV retinitis?

When should I get tested for CMV retinitis?

References

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