The use of laser flare photometry to assess therapeutical approaches for uveitis

Abstract

AbstractLaser flare (LF) photometry is a standardized and reproducible method for grading the breakdown of the blood‐aqueous‐barrier by in‐vivo measurements of the protein content in the anterior chamber. Whereas anterior chamber cell‐grade directly correlates with the activity of anterior uveitis, high LF values may not only be observed during active inflammation but also as a remnant of chronic uveitis with irreversible damage of the blood‐aqueous barrier. The talk provides an overview of published and own data, analyzing the impact of LF photometry as a decision‐making tool for timing ocular surgery and selection of surgery techniques (e.g., lensectomy vs. phacoemulsification with primary IOL implantation; filtrating vs. non‐filtrating vs. drainage‐implants vs. cyclodestructive surgery). Furthermore, the role of LF in the context of secondary complications (CME, aphakia, glaucoma etc.) and in the management of drug therapy (topical treatment, classical immunosuppressives and biologicals) is elucidated. In this context, interesting LF topics (Do we treat cells, LF or both? Do high LF values necessarily demand for intensification of uveitis treatment? Does LF help us to decide when to stop our treatment?) are discussed.