Ruptured Blood Vessels in Eye -- Early Symptom?

[Bballplayer133]

Hello, Doctors,  I practice protected sex (I am top only) and unprotected oral when I meet on occasion with transexual prostitutes, which has been several times in the past couple of years,  I was last tested negative for HIV in March, 2009and plan to get tested again this week.  One year ago on a routine eye exam my opthamologist discovered a ruptured blood vessel inside my eye.  It did not cause any problems and resolved.  Last week during my yearly eye exam he discovered another small ruptured vessel in the same eye.  I take blood pressure medicine and a statin and baby aspirin.  He thought it might be related to high blood pressure but is referring me to my doctor for follow-up.  Before both eye exams I recall that I had done heavy lifting of stones and furniture, etc... I have not had symptoms related to HIV but did read that sometimes an eye exam will reveal small blood vessel ruptures in the retina and that this can be a sign of HIV. My question is whether or not this is a possible symptom of HIV? Thank you for your concern and response.

[Bballplayer133]

This is just to close the loop.  My testing was negative.  In the meantime, I am taking steps to lose the extra 20 pounds that I have carried around for the past 25 years, and to improve my diet and exercise routines.  Thanks Dr. HH

[Bballplayer133]

Thank you for the quick response, Dr. H, and for setting my mind at ease.  I should have thought to include the citations regarding the finding of retinopathy in asymptomatic hiv infection.

http://epubs.democratprinting.com/display_article.php?id=701274
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1312074/

However, these appear to indicate the presence of cotton wool spots rather than simple ruptures.  In any case, this appears to be a very rare situation and I will be getting tested.

Many thanks.  

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome back to the forum.

Based only on the title of your question, I doubt you need to be worried about HIV.  A broken blood vessel in the eye is not a typical symptom of HIV.

Now having read the question, that remains my opinion.  You have at least 3 very common factors that commonly cause such a problem:  high blood pressure, aspirin therapy, and straining during heavy lifting.  Any one of these is far more likely than HIV as an explanation.

HIV testing at this time makes sense if you have been at risk since your last test in 2009, i.e. unprotected sex with non-monogamous partners, injection drug use, etc.  Such persons ought to be routinely HIV tested from time to time, like once a year.  But without such risks, no testing is necessary.  Certainly your retinal blood vessel ruptures don't indicate any need for it.  But if you remain at all in doubt, you could discuss this with your doctor.

Best regards--  HHH, MD