What does the term 'HIV retinopathy' describe?

The term 'HIV retinopathy' specifically refers to eye damage that occurs as a consequence of the HIV infection. Individuals living with HIV can experience various ocular complications, which may include changes in the retina and surrounding tissues. These changes are often associated with the immune system's response to the virus and can manifest as conditions such as retinitis or other retinal damage.

In contrast, vision impairment caused by diabetes pertains to diabetic retinopathy, which is the result of prolonged high blood sugar levels affecting the eye's blood vessels. The normal aging process in vision relates to age-related changes like presbyopia or macular degeneration, while inherited retinal diseases are genetic conditions that affect the retina and can lead to vision loss. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in recognizing how different conditions relate to vision impairment and eye health, specifically in the context of HIV-related complications.