Immune Therapy for Autoimmune Uveitis

Abstract

Intraocular inflammatory disease (uveitis) presents an ongoing challenge to ophthalmologists dealing with this problem. The term “uveitis” has been used since the last century, since it was felt that the problem stemmed from an inflammation of uvea. Today, it is clear that this limited definition is not the case, and the term denotes any intraocular inflammatory disease, no matter what the cause and no matter what portion of the eye is affected by the disorder. Ocular inflammation is commonly dealt with by all ophthalmologists, either as a primary or secondary problem. It is the cause of about 10% of the severe visual handicap in the United States and Great Britain (U.S. DHEW., 1976). The diseases that fall under the umbrella term “uveitis” generally strike children and young adults, and thus often have a major impact on the family structure. The disorders are grouped as to those affecting the anterior and posterior portions of the globe. The International Uveitis Study Group, made up of 26 ophthalmologists currently representing many nations, has developed guidelines for the classification of uveitis. The disease entities are divided into three broad categories: anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, and posterior uveitis. This simplified system permits a standardized system for the classification of these disorders.