A photograph showing retinitis inflammation of the retina due to infection with cytomegalovirus CMV a member of the herpes family CMV retinitis usually begins as a white infiltrate within the retina and can progress rapidly to cause destruction of retinal tissue Retinal damage can lead to detachment of the retina Normally most peoples immune systems are able to fight the virus preventing it from causing problems CMV retinitis is common in immunosuppressed individuals afflicting approximately 15 to 40 per cent of AIDS patients and may lead to permanent loss of vision
