Symptoms and signs of anterior uveitis

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Based on the anatomic classification of uveitis, iritis and iridocyclitis are classified as anterior uveitis. Methods Symptoms and signs of anterior uveitis will be presented Results Patients with acute anterior uveitis typically present with red eyes, photophobia, ocular pain, and sometimes visual blurring. In chronic anterior uveitis, onset is usually insidious and patients may be asymptomatic until the development of complications. Ciliary injection, endothelial dusting or fine keratic precipitates (KPs), cells and flare in the anterior chamber with or without hypopyon formation or fibrinous exudate are the typical findings of alternating unilateral acute nongranulomatous anterior uveitis which is most commonly seen in association with HLA‐B27 antigen and spondyloarthropaties. Medium‐size KPs or large mutton‐fat KPs, chronic flare, Koeppe and Busacca nodules of the iris, peripheral anterior synechiae and broad‐based posterior synechiae are the typical findings of granulomatous anterior uveitis which is often chronic. Viral anterior uveitis is characterized by unilateral recurrent episodes of anterior uveitis characterized by endotheliitis, elevated intraocular pressure, and patchy or sectoral iris atrophy. JIA‐associated anterior uveitis is typically a bilateral nongranulomatous chronic anterior uveitis often complicated by band keratopathy, seclusion of the pupil, and cataract. Conclusion Symptoms and signs in anterior uveitis vary depending on the acute or chronic, ganulomatous or nongranulomatous nature of the disease. Specific anterior uveitic entities are characterized by a distinct constellation of ocular signs.