REPLACING GANCICLOVIR IMPLANTS

Purpose: The authors report their surgical experience replacing empty ganciclovir implants in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndr ome (AIDS)-related cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Methods: A chart r eview of all patients receiving two or more ganciclovir implants was p erformed. Results: Nine eyes in eight patients received two or more im plants, The average time before a second implant was needed was 6 mont hs. Cytomegalovirus retinitis was controlled in all patients except on e. Three patients required intermittent intravenous exogenous anti-CMV therapy, one for persistent CMV retinitis and two for systemic CMV. V isual acuity of 20/40 or better was maintained in five of eight patien ts, despite a longstanding history of CMV retinitis. Conclusion: In th is small series, most patients retained good vision after ganciclovir implant replacement.