The clinical profile and aetiological pattern of anterior uveitis- A hospital based study

Abstract

Uveitis is a group of complex inflammatory disorder of the uveal tract with diverse aetiology. The most common formis anterioruveitis affecting the iris and pars plicata of the ciliary body which can lead to severe vision threatening complications if not treated appropriately.Objectives: 1. To study the incidence, modes of presentation and etiological patternof anterior uveitis. 2. To evaluate the treatment, its outcome and the complications that could occur over the study period. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross sectional clinical study was conducted in the department of ophthalmology in 30 patients who were clinically diagnosed with anterior uveitis over a period of one year. All the patients underwent adetailed ophthalmic evaluation and relevant laboratory investigations. They were givenappropriate treatment according to the cause and the clinical clues and were also followed up for anycomplication during the study period. Results: Anterior uveitis occurred most commonly in the 41 to 50 years age group. Majority of the cases had nongranulomatous inflammation (86%) but aetiology remained unknown in 30% of the cases. Herpetic infection (16%) was the commonest cause followed by phacolyticuveitis and tuberculosis. Most cases responded favourably to medical management. Conclusion: A balanced view of the disease needs to be taken while investigating and treating anterior uveitis. A thorough history and physical examination is required in each case to facilitate a final diagnosis. A timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment however can improve visual outcome.