AIDS-related eye infection. Ophthalmoscope view of the retina of an AIDS patient showing the effects of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The infection has caused retinitis, damage to the retina (the light-sensitive membrane that lines the back wall of the eye). This is seen by the yellow deposits of fatty material. CMV retinitis is a common disease of AIDS patients, and may progress rapidly to blindness. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It attacks white blood cells, weakening the immune system and making the patient prone to opportunistic infections such as this.