Vitreoretinal Surgery in Pediatric Patients with Vitreoretinal Pathology Secondary to Uveitis

Abstract

In pediatric uveitis, as with all forms of uveitis, the primary treatment modality involves achieving systemic and local immunosuppression through pharmacotherapy. However, due to the challenge of articulating symptoms by patients in the younger age group, resulting in delayed presentation to clinicians, or the tendency for uveitis to manifest more quietly in this age group, pediatric uveitis cases can be diagnosed late, unfortunately presenting with secondary complications at the time of diagnosis. In these patients, after appropriate immunosuppression is achieved, vitreoretinal surgery may be necessary to address vitreoretinal complications. Additionally, in cases where etiology cannot be determined by non-invasive methods, or when there is inadequate response or no response to treatment, rapid progression of inflammation threatening the optic nerve and macula, or suspicion of malignancy, diagnostic vitreous sampling or chorioretinal biopsy via vitreoretinal surgery may be pursued. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role and significance of vitreoretinal surgery in pediatric uveitic eyes.