Pattern of uveitis in a rural eye care hospital in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyse the pattern of uveitis in a rural eye care hospital in Tamil Nadu. Understanding the shifting paradigm in uveitis, demographic differences in presentation, early diagnosis and treatment are very important in preventing ocular morbidity. Settings and Design: Retrospective Case study. Materials and Methods: Analysis of all the new cases of uveitis registered in our uvea clinic between December 2020 and April 2021 was done. Comprehensive eye examination and tailored investigations were done. Results: Among the 85 new cases of uveitis registered in the uvea clinic, 78 patients were included in the study. The mean age at presentation was 38.38 and ranged (4–77) years. The male: female ratio was 0.73. Anterior uveitis was the commonest type of uveitis (44.87%) followed by intermediate uveitis (24.35%), posterior uveitis (17.94%) and pan uveitis (12.82%). Aetiology was unknown in 30.76% (24/78) cases. HLA B27 association was noted in 22.8% of anterior uveitis cases. Sixteen patients had tuberculous aetiology. Ocular complications were noted in about 23.07% of patients and cataract was the most common complication. Conclusions: This study aims at analysing the pattern of uveitis in a rural area. Understanding the aetiology of uveitis whether infectious or autoimmune is of paramount importance to advice tailored investigations and to start early specific treatment. Delay in presentation and irregular follow-up, especially in patients from rural areas would result in permanent damage to ocular tissues and loss of visual function.