Intermediate Uveitis Research Articles

Evaluation of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings in Pars Planitis and Multiple Sclerosis Associated Intermediate Uveitis in Remission

Purpose To evaluate the microvasculature during remission in patients with pars planitis (PP-IU) and multiple sclerosis-associated intermediate uveitis (MS-IU) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Methods Single-center, descriptive, case-control study was conducted. Adult patients (≥16 years) with IU in remission (PP-IU and MS-IU) and healthy age-sex matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled to the study. Demographic/clinical features, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ocular findings, neurological symptoms and preferred treatments were recorded. The presence of cystoid macular edema (CME) during follow-up was recorded. All IU patients in remission and HC subjects were scanned with OCT-A. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas of superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP/DCP) and vascular densities of SCP, DCP and choriocapillaris were obtained from OCT-A and compared between the groups. Results Sixty-nine eyes of 37 IU patients in remission and 20 HC were included (44 eyes/23 patients in PP-IU, 25/14 in MS-IU, 40/20 in HC). No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of demographic or clinical characteristics of the patients. The vascular density in the SCP was significantly reduced in the PP-IU and MS-IU groups compared to the HC group (p < .05). Nevertheless, there were no significant changes in any of the OCTA parameters between the IU groups. Uveitis duration was found to be correlated with enlargement of the FAZ area in PP-IU (p = .039). Conclusion OCTA may not be useful in differentiating between PP-IU and MS-IU. Nevertheless, the primary implication in SCP potentially elucidates the pathogenesis of these two subtypes of IU, which are characterized by a shared pathogenesis. The monitoring of the FAZ area in the PP-IU group is valuable in terms of chronicity.

Uveitis Onset and Flare-Up: Does the Time of Year Matter?

ABSTRACT Purpose This retrospective chart review tests the hypothesis that initial presentation and flare-up of non-infectious anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis varies by month, temperature season, and calendar season among the patient population in Connecticut. Methods The medical records of all adult patients presenting with a chief concern or diagnosis of “uveitis” at a university-based clinic between March 2013 and February 2019 and a community-based clinic between January 2016 and February 2019 in Connecticut were reviewed. Ongoing, chronic uveitis and infectious/traumatic uveitis were excluded. Patient age, sex, comorbid autoimmune conditions, time of onset, and anatomical location of uveitis was collected. χ 2 testing evaluated variation in uveitis presentation based on month, calendar season, and temperature. Results 353 cases of endogenous uveitis were identified among 272 patients. There was no significant variation by month, calendar season, or temperature across the entire population. There was no significant variation by temperature when assessing anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, and panuveitis cases separately. Though flare-ups did not show any significant seasonal trends, there was significant variation by temperature for new uveitis episodes. Uveitis episodes in patients with autoimmune conditions were shown to have significant variation by temperature. Uveitis episodes in HLA-B27 positive patients were found to have significant variation by both temperature and month. Conclusion While variation by month, calendar season, or temperature is not present for all uveitis patients, a subset of patients with comorbid autoimmune conditions, specifically HLA-B27 positive, experience temperature variations with increasing incidence of flare-ups in transitional months in Connecticut.

ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL ACUITY AND COMPLICATIONS POST CATARACT SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH UVEITIS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Aim and Objectives Aim:To study the visual acuity and operative complications after cataract surgery in patients with uveitis in tertiary care hospital Objectives: 1.To study factors affecting visual acuity. 2.To study surgical complications post cataract surgery in uveitis patients. Materials and Methods:A total of 18 patients were taken, data was collected from all the selected patients using a structured proforma meeting the objectives of the study. • Inclusion Criteria:1.All complicated cataract patients attending ophthalmology OPD 2.A quite eye (without inflammation) for atleast 3 months • Exclusion Criteria: 1.Cataract due to causes other than uveitis 2.Patients with posterior segment pathology Patients were scheduled for follow up on post op day 1, day 3 , day 7 , day 15, day 30, day 60, day 90. Results: The prevalance was more common in males compared to females. Out of 18 patients, 14 (77%) underwent SICS with PCIOL implantation and 4 (22%) underwent phacoemulsification with PCIOL. Intra-operative complications were noted as small non-dilating pupil, peripheral anterior synechiae, pupillary membrane, incomplete capsulorhexis, iris prolapse. In 7 (38%) patients sphincterectomy was done and in 4 (22%) patients stretch pupilloplasty was done. Immediate post-op complications that were noted were anterior chamber reaction and pigment dispersion. Late post-op complications that were noted were posterior capsular opacification Dense posterior synechiae were encountered in 12 (66%) patients and excessive conjunctival bleeding in 6(33%) patients. There was improvement in visual outcomes as follows 8 patients had 6/6 vision, 6 patients had 6/18 vision where as remaining 4 patients had 6/36 vision due to early development of posterior capsular opacification. Conclusion: Cataract development is a very common occurrence in any form of anterior and intermediate uveitis because of chronic intraocular inflammation, long term use of corticosteroids. Reported incidence of cataract in uveitic patients is about 25% in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and 75% in chronic anterior uveitis. It is possible to achieve successful visual outcomes following cataract surgery in uveitis by proper management of pre-operative inflammation and close post-operative observation. Management of uveitic cataract requires careful case selection, proper timing of surgery, and close monitoring with appropriate handling of complications that may occur.

EFFECT OF CORTICOSTEROID ON OCULAR TUBERCULOSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction &amp; Objectives : There are still some disagreements between experts regarding the use of corticosteroids as an adjunctive treatment for ocular tuberculosis. Even though corticosteroid is important for controlling the inflammation to reduce further damage to the eye, some evidence claim that corticosteroid may interfere with ATT and causes more damage. This study aims to summarize and assess the role of corticosteroids on ocular tuberculosis.&#x0D; Methods : This study reviews papers from PubMed and Ophthalmologica Indonesiana database published in English or Indonesia between the years 2017 and 2022. The search terms used are a combination of treatment or therapy, corticosteroid, and ocular tuberculosis.&#x0D; Results : A total of 8 studies are included in this review with a total of 992 patients. Ocular TB can be further differentiated into anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis, retinitis and retinal, vasculitis, neuroretinitis, and optic neuropathy. Corticosteroids are delivered through different routes depending on the site and severity of the inflammation. Generally, patients treated with ATT and corticosteroids have a positive response but improper timing, dosage, or route may actually worsen the infection and inflammation.&#x0D; Conclusion : Corticosteroids are needed as adjunctive treatment to control the inflammation from further damaging the eye. However, further studies regarding the specificity of the usage should be done as there are still limited studies about the factors affecting the outcome

Bilateral Ocular Leprosy An Effect By Erythema Nodusum Leprosum : A Case Report

Introduction : Leprosy or Hansen’s disease is an infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the skin, the peripheral nerves and the eyes, causing chronic granulomatous inflammation.&#x0D; Case Illustration : We present a case of lepromatous leprosy with erythema nodosum leprosum of a 47 years old man with bilateral and asymmetrical ocular complications. One year ago patient consumed multidrug therapy for leprosy for one year but didn’t finish the medication. On the right eye diagnose with chronic anterior and intermediate uveitis, on the left eye with panuveitis. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 2/60 for right eye and light perception for left eye. Intraocular pressure were within normal limits. Madarosis and corneal hypoesthesia were found on both eyes. On the right eye was found cells, synechia anterior and posterior, iris pearls and vitreous haze. On the left eye was found plasmoid iridocyclitis and vitreous opacities from USG. Slit skin smear (SSS) result positif acid fast bacilli (AFB) dan granular. Patients were treated with multidrug therapy for leprosy, topical antibiotics, atropine and steroids, oral antibiotics and treatment from a dermatologist.&#x0D; Discussion : The diagnosis of lepromatous uveitis (LU) in this patient is made through skin tissue biopsy and ophthalmological examination. The effective management of ocular leprosy depends on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Hence it is imperative for ophthalmologist to recognize the ocular clinical signs associated with leprosy.&#x0D; Conclusion : Most blindness and impaired vision resulting from leprosy is preventable. A multidisciplinary approach is to be taken in order to improve the prognosis.

Steroidal nanoformulations for the treatment of uveitis: potential, promises and future perspectives.

Intraocular inflammation, commonly referred to as uveitis, is a prevalent ocular disease. The categorization of uveitis may be based on the prevailing anatomical site, which includes anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis. There exists a significant body of evidence indicating that T cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis. In addition to the presence of T cells, an elevation in levels of inflammatory cytokines and a reduction in regulatory cytokines were also noted. The primary pharmacological interventions for uveitis comprise of corticosteroids, methotrexate, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antibodies, and sirolimus. These medications offer prompt alleviation for inflammation. Nevertheless, prolonged administration of corticosteroids invariably leads to unfavorable adverse reactions. The traditional topical corticosteroids exhibit certain limitations, including inadequate transcorneal permeation and low corneal retention, leading to reduced ocular bioavailability. Consequently, there is a growing inclination towards the creation of innovative steroid drug delivery systems with the aim of reducing the potential for adverse effects, while simultaneously enhancing the drug's corneal permeation and retention. This review is an attempt to compile all the research work done so far in this field and provides a brief overview of the global efforts to develop innovative nanocarrier-based systems for corticosteroids.

Vessel density on optical coherence tomography angiography is prognostic for future disease course in intermediate uveitis.

As most rare diseases, intermediate uveitis lacks reliable endpoints necessary for randomized clinical trials. Therefore, we investigated longitudinal changes of retinal and choriocapillaris perfusion on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in intermediate uveitis and their prognostic value for future best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT). In this retrospective, longitudinal cohort study eyes of patients with intermediate uveitis were imaged by swept-source OCT-A (macula-centered 3 × 3mm; PLEX Elite 9000, Zeiss) and stratified into clinically stable, worsened and improved based on changes in clinical parameters. Superficial (SRL) and deep retinal layers (DRL) were automatically analyzed for vessel density (VD) and choriocapillaris layer for non-perfused area (CCNPA) using ImageJ. Mixed-effects regression analysis controlling for age, sex, and OCT-A signal strength index (SSI) was used to evaluate the prognostic value of OCT-A parameters. 91 eyes (62 stable, 12 worsened, and 17 improved) were included in the analysis and mean follow-up time was 296 days. Longitudinal changes of VD were different between all three groups (p = 0.002 for SRL and p = 0.017 for DRL). Clinically worsened eyes showed a decrease in VD (- 0.032 ± 0.055 for SRL and - 0.027 ± 0.025 for DRL), whereas clinically improved eyes showed an increase in VD (0.037 ± 0.039 for SRL and 0.001 ± 0.023 for DRL). No difference was found for CCNPA. When controlling for age, sex, and SSI, observed differences held true in clinically worsened eyes for DRL (p = 0.011) and in clinically improved eyes for SRL (p = 0.002). An increase of CCNPA in clinically worsened eyes (p = 0.03) compared to clinically stable and improved eyes was evident. Predictive analysis revealed an association of VD in SRL and DRL at baseline with BCVA at follow-up (p = 0.039 and p = 0.047, respectively) and of VD in SRL at baseline with CRT at follow-up (p = 0.046). Alterations in retinal perfusion on OCT-A in intermediate uveitis are partly reversible and OCT-A VD may serve to predict future BCVA and CRT. Thus, perfusion parameters on OCT-A might aid monitoring and serve as prognostic imaging-biomarker.

Evolving Fuchs' uveitis - A diagnostic challenge.

To study cases of Fuchs' uveitis (FU) diagnosed as uveitis other than FU at initial visits. A retrospective, observational chart review. Details of clinical presentation, initial diagnosis, treatment details, and follow-up before and after the diagnosis of FU was studied. Twenty eyes of 19 patients finally diagnosed with FU. Mean total follow-up was 39 months (range: 3-120 months, median: 30 months) and follow-up after diagnosis of FU was 18 months (range: 0-84 months, median: 11 months). Most of the cases were diagnosed with anterior plus intermediate uveitis at the presentation (n = 8, 42.1%) and received steroid treatment. Keratic precipitates (KPs) typical of FU developed after mean 5.4 months of presentation (range: 1-18 months, median: 2 months). Altered iris pattern was noted after 17 months of presentation (range: 2-70 months, median: 8.5). Vitritis of grades 1-2 was present in all eyes. Overlap of uveitis of other etiology (retinal vasculitis, presumed tubercular intermediate uveitis) was found in three patients. Systemic immune disease (systemic lupus erythematosus, pulmonary sarcoidosis) was present in two patients. No treatment for the ocular inflammation was given after the diagnosis of FU in any patient and no change in the pattern of FU was observed during further follow-up. Evolving FU may lead to misdiagnosis and mismanagement. We suggest a conservative approach, withholding steroid treatment, allowing FU to evolve, in otherwise asymptomatic patients with white eye, mild to moderate anterior chamber (AC) and vitreous inflammation, absent posterior synechiae and normal fundus examination or fundus examination suggestive of resolved uveitis.

Reggio Emilia (Northern Italy) Interdisciplinary Uveitis Clinic: What We Have Learned in the Last 20 Years

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the referral patterns and the clinical and therapeutic features of patients diagnosed with uveitis in an Italian tertiary referral center to provide a comparison with previously published series from the same center. Methods Retrospective retrieval of data on all new referrals to the Ocular Immunology Unit in Reggio Emilia (Italy) between November 2015 and April 2022 and comparison with previously published series from the same center. Results Among the 1557 patients, the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.27. Anterior uveitis was the most common diagnosis (53.7%), followed by posterior (21.6%), pan- (18.5%), and intermediate (6.2%) uveitis. The most identifiable specific diagnoses were anterior herpetic uveitis (18.4%), Fuchs uveitis (12.8%), and tuberculosis (6.1%). Infectious etiologies were the most frequent (34.1%) and were more diffuse among non-Caucasian patients (p < 0.001), followed by systemic disease-associated uveitis (26.5%), and ocular-specific conditions (20%). Idiopathic uveitis accounted for 19.4% of cases. Fuchs uveitis presented the longest median diagnostic delay (21 months). Immunosuppressants were administered to 25.2% of patients. Antimetabolites, calcineurin inhibitors, and biologicals were prescribed to 18.4%, 3%, and 11.4% of cases, respectively. Compared to our previous reports, we observed a significant increase in foreign-born patients and in infectious uveitis, a decrease in idiopathic conditions, and an increasing use of non-biological and biological steroid-sparing drugs. Conclusions The patterns of uveitis in Italy have been changing over the last 20 years, very likely due to migration flows. Diagnostic improvements and a more widespread interdisciplinary approach could reduce the incidence of idiopathic uveitis as well as diagnostic delay.

Palpebral sarcoid nodules

ABSTRACT Herein, we report a case of systemic sarcoidosis confirmed by a eyelid biopsy in a 47-year-old North African female with a past medical history of a bilateral granulomatous anterior and intermediate uveitis. She presented to the ophthalmological department for bilateral palpebral painful discomfort. An examination revealed the presence of bilateral, rounded, well-limited, subcutaneous, nodular lesions on the upper and inferior lid. A cutaneous biopsy confirmed the presence of a non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. The diagnosis of a definite ocular sarcoidosis was made and she was treated with local steroid ointment associated to hydroxychloroquine. A skin examination of the patient with granulomatous uveitis cannot be stressed enough. A biopsy allows us to make the diagnosis and to treat the patients appropriately. Key words: Inflammation, Granulomatosis, Eye, Skin Biopsy

Immunotherapy induced uveitis

Uveitis can affect all layers of the eye and may be due to various etiologies: autoimmune, infectious, iatrogenic or masquerade syndrome. Recently, a new iatrogenic uveitis entity has been associated with cancer immunotherapy (CIT).Immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies including BRAF and MEK inhibitors are increasingly used for treatment of metastatic malignancies. There is currently 10 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) targeting one of three ligands, leading to T‐cell activation for attack against malignant cells. These ligands include cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4, ipilimumab), programmed death protein 1 (PD‐1, pembrolizumab, nivolumab), and programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab).ICPIs overcome T‐cell inhibition and increases the activity of immune system and the loss of immune homeostasis, which can lead to autoimmune/inflammatory side effects, termed immune‐related adverse events (IRAEs). IRAEs can include ophthalmic manifestations as uveitis, which can very between anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, and panuveitis, but also some cases of ocular surface disorders, optic neuropathy and orbitopathy.The aim of my presentation is therefore to describe ICPI‐induced ocular IRAEs, more specifically the uveitis, detailing the anatomical specificities, potential risk factors, workup, and the management through an adapted treatment, and outcome, in relation to the outcome of the underlying tumour.

Sarcoidosis‐related uveitis: A case series study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of ocular involvement in patients with systemic sarcoidosis.Methods: Retrospective case series study carried out at the Ophthalmology department of Habib Thameur University Hospital of Tunis between the 1st January 2022 and the 1st January 2023. Fifteen patients (30 eyes) were included. Based on the International Workshop on Ocular Sarcoidosis criteria, three patients had biopsy‐proven sarcoidosis; eight had presumed sarcoidosis and four had probable sarcoidosis. All patients had a complete ocular examination and systemic work‐up.Results: The median age at presentation was 45 years (range: 29–66). The sex ratio was 1:13. Ocular involvement was the presenting symptom in 11 patients. Bilateral granulomatous uveitis was the presenting form in all patients. Panuveitis was the most common anatomic pattern (9), followed by anterior (3), anterior and intermediate (2) and intermediate (1) uveitis. Posterior segment involvement included multifocal choroiditis (3) retinal vasculitis (5) macular oedema (4) and optic nerve head granuloma (1). Systemic manifestations included bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (8) eyelid granuloma (2) neurosarcoidosis (3) Peripheral facial nerve palsy (2).Conclusions: Uveitis was the initial presentation of sarcoidosis in the majority of our subjects. Panuveitis was the most commonly encountered anatomic form. Our findings support the prominent role of the ocular examination in the early detection of sarcoidosis.

Isolation of three different sizes of exosomes in an Asian population with different retinal diseases before and after treatment: preliminary results

ABSTRACT Exosomes are membranous structures measuring between 40–120 nm that are secreted by various cells of the human body into the body fluid system. Exosomes contain proteins, mRNA, miRNA, and signaling molecules, and physiologically they assist in the intercellular transport of proteins and RNA molecules. In this study, we used an immunoaffinity filter paper platform combined with scanning electron microscopy and microfluidic systems to detect the size of exosomes within the aqueous humor. Eight aqueous humor samples showed three distinct sizes of exosomes that were significantly different on scanning electron microscopy(P < 0.01). We further used nanoparticle tracking analysis to assess the size distribution of exosomes within the aqueous humor. We found significantly different distributions of exosomes between patients with three different ocular diseases and patients with normal cataracts as controls. An obvious peak of exomeres(size around 35 nm)was found in the patients with central retinal vein occlusion and vitreous hemorrhage. Flare-ups of large exosomes(size 90–120 nm)were found in the patients with the inflammatory ocular disease pars planitis. No obvious peaks in exomeres or large exosomes were found in the control group. There was a high association between the distribution of exosomes and the pathogenesis of ocular diseases. After intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment, the aqueous humor from the patients with neovascular diseases showed a significant reduction in exosomes in nanoparticle tracking analysis. These findings suggest that at least three distinct sizes of exosomes exist in the aqueous humor:(1)exomeres:<35 nm;(2)small exosomes:60–80 nm; and (3)large exosomes:90–120 nm. Different sizes of exosomes may have different implications in normal or diseased eyes.

Multiple sclerosis-associated uveitis - A series from South India.

To report clinical profiles of multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated uveitis in seven cases from a single tertiary eye care center in South India. Retrospective case series 2013-2023. Seven cases of MS-associated uveitis were retrieved from our databases. There were five females and two males. The diagnosis of MS was made by the neurologist in all cases. Bilaterality was seen in all cases. Intermediate uveitis was the most common presentation (five cases). It was associated with peripheral retinal vasculitis (two cases) and disc pallor (two cases). Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (one case) and incomplete Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH)-like presentation with a peripapillary choroidal neovascular membrane (one case) were the other presentations. In the case with incomplete VKH-like presentation, whole genome sequencing revealed a heterozygous non-synonymous variation (c.1228C>T) in exon 10 of TNFRSF1A, suggestive of susceptibility to multiple sclerosis 5 due to mutation in the TNFRS1A gene on chromosome 12p13.31. All cases received systemic steroids. Azathioprine (three cases) and rituximab (three cases) were the commonly used immunomodulatory drugs. The visual outcome was good in all cases at the last follow-up. MS-associated uveitis is underreported in India. This series highlights the clinical profile of MS-associated uveitis in India.

Epiretinal membrane in uveitis: Rate, visual prognosis, complications and surgical outcomes.

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a common finding in patients with uveitis that contributes to visual impairment. We describe the long-term visual acuity (VA) and morphometric progression in patients with uveitis and epiretinal membrane (ERM). Retrospective cohort study of patients with uveitic ERM from a tertiary centre database. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for ERM progression was calculated using a marginal Cox regression model to estimate hazard ratios (HR). Two hundred and sixteen eyes (4%) of a total 5450 eyes with uveitis were identified to have an ERM. The most common diagnosis was idiopathic uveitis in 45 patients (28.7%), followed by sarcoidosis in 21 (13.4%), HLAB27-related uveitis in 15 (9.6%) and toxoplasmosis in 15 (9.6%). Risk factors for ERM development include age (HR 1.03), intermediate uveitis (HR 2.33), posterior uveitis (HR 1.53) and ERM fellow eye (HR 18.28). Anterior uveitis (HR 0.53) and alternating disease (HR 0.53) were protective. Median VA was 20/40 at diagnosis of ERM and 20/40 at final follow up. Progression of ERM grade occurred in 17 eyes (7.9%) during the study period. ERM peel was performed in 44 eyes (20.4%). Median VA was 20/60 and 20/40 at baseline and 12 months after surgery, respectively. Improvement in visual acuity occurred in 23 eyes (60.5%) following surgery. In addition to intermediate and posterior uveitis, fellow eye involvement is a strong risk factor for ERM development. In treated uveitis, the majority maintain their long-term vision and rates of ERM progression are low.

Üveitik Hastalarda Korneal Değişikliklerin Non-Kontakt Speküler Mikroskopi ile Değerlendirilmesi: Retrospektif Çalışma

Objective: To demonstrate the changes in specular microscopy between uveitic eyes and healthy eyes. Material and Methods: A retrospective study included 66 patients followed in the Uvea clinic of Selcuk University between 2015-2018. The right eyes of all patients were evaluated. The right eye data of 37 healthy individuals were used as the control group. The patients were divided into subgroups anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis. Specular microscopy measurements were made with Confo Scan 4. Comparisons were made between the groups in terms of endothelial cell density (ECD), pleomorphism (%), polymegatism (%), central corneal thickness (CCT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age was 33.71±15.29 in the uveitis and 37.78±13.17 in the control group (p=0.432). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of ECD, pleomorphism and polymegatism (all groups; p&amp;lt;0.01). No significant difference was found in terms of CCT and IOP (respectively; p=0.812, p=0.381). In the subgroup analysis, a significant difference was found between anterior, intermediate and posterior uveitis groups in terms of ECD (respectively; p=0.020, p=0.018). However, no significant difference in other groups (p=0.999). In comparison with healthy eyes of patients with monocular uveitis were significant differences in all parameters (all groups; p&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusion: It is seen that ECD decreases, pleomorphism and polymegatism increase in patients with uveitis. This result showed the importance of preventing sequelae with early treatment in patients with uveitis. Speccular or confocal microscopy scanning is important in uveitic patients scheduled for intraocular surgery.

First contact investigations and compliance to treatment in patients with uveitis.

To ascertain the pattern of investigations at first contact in uveitic patients and evaluate compliance to treatment. An observational study comprised of 201 uveitic patients presenting for the first time to our centre from January 2019 to June 2020. Detailed information regarding systemic investigations undertaken by specialists at the time of first contact and the cost of these investigations were reviewed on the first visit to our centre. Compliance with the treatment was determined and reasons behind non-compliance were evaluated on the first follow-up in patients who had no improvement in clinical signs and symptoms. The mean age of the study group was 35.35±14.1y and gender composition was 59.7% males and 40.3% females. Anterior uveitis was observed in 45.3% of patients, intermediate uveitis in 31.8% of patients, posterior uveitis in 14.9% of patients and panuveitis in 8.0% of patients. Association with a systemic disease was evident in 17.9% of patients. When compared with standard guidelines and uveitis patterns, systemic investigations were identified to be relevant only in 38.3% of patients. Non-compliance to treatment was documented in 22.4% of patients. Common reasons for non-compliance were inadequate counselling by the treating physician about treatment in 26.7% of patients and a busy schedule at work/school in 22.2% of patients. Significant number of investigations performed at first contact is found to be contrary to standard guidelines and are not contributory to the care. About a quarter of patients in this study are found to be non-compliant with the treatment. Compliance is more challenging to achieve in school-going children and working adults. The availability of comprehensive, periodically updated, evidence-based guidelines on the role of investigations and the use of trained counsellors may help to channelize proper evaluation and improve compliance to treatment, respectively, in patients with uveitis.

Intermediate and Posterior Uveitis - Classification, diagnostics, complications, and therapeutic algorithms

Intermediate and posterior uveitis describes a broad variety of different types of intraocular inflammation. Before starting treatment of intermediate or posterior uveitis, a differentiation between infectious or non-infectious uveitis must always be made. Pathognomonic symptoms do not exist, visual loss and vitreous floaters are the most common symptoms. The indication for therapy is influenced by the anatomical localization, the degree of inflammation, an association, complications and the activity of the inflammation. In addition to clinical ophthalmological standard examination, angiography and OCT are the most important investigations to classify and assess the course of inflammation. Macular edema is the most common complication of intermediate or posterior uveitis and should be treated at first onset, recurrence, or worsening. Oral, intravenous, or intravitreal corticosteroids are usually the primary therapy for intermediate or posterior uveitis. Systemic immunosuppression is indicated after steroid failure in non-infectious uveitis.

Intermediate and Posterior Uveitis - Disease entities

Intermediate and posterior uveitis can have multiple infectious and noninfectious causes, and posterior uveitis in particular is clinically multifaceted. Some entities require prompt initiation of therapy to ensure visual prognosis. This article presents typical characteristics of intermediate and posterior uveitides and explains special features of their treatment.

Evaluation of the structural changes of uveitis patients by optical biometry.

Objective (Aim): To observe the ocular structural changes in active and inactive uveitis patients. Methods: This retrospective study involved 30 patients (32 eyes) with anterior and intermediate uveitis cases and 54 eyes of 54 cases in a control group, who were admitted to the Ophthalmology Department at Trakya University. In the study group, 14 patients were females, 16 patients were males and in the control group 26 volunteers were females, and 28 volunteers were male of the 54 volunteers. Anterior chamber depth, axial length, intraocular pressure, lens thickness, central corneal thickness, steep and flat values in keratometry, corrected visual acuity in both eyes, anterior chamber cells, and vitreous cells were measured and compared between three groups (two uveitis groups - active and inactive - and control group). Results: In the comparison of the median values of axial length, central corneal thickness, and steep and flat values of keratometry, the values of the patients with active uveitis were higher than the ones in the control group in each parameter, but no significant difference was observed. The anterior chamber depth parameter value was higher, the lens thickness value was lower in patients with active uveitis than the values in the control group and the differences were statistically significant (p<0,05). No significant structural differences in the values of the active and inactive group patients (p>0,05) were observed. Conclusions: Only lens thickness and anterior chamber depth parameters were statistically significant in patients with active uveitis, compared with the inactive uveitis group. Anterior chamber depth measurement values were higher and lens thickness measurement values were lower in patients with active uveitis when compared with the control group. Abbreviations: AAU = Acute anterior uveitis, CAU = Chronic Anterior Uveitis, AC = Anterior Chamber, IOP = Intraocular Pressure, IVCM = in vivo Confocal Microscopy, AS-OCT = Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography, UBM = Ultrasound Biomicroscopy, LFP = Laser Flare Photometry, KP = Keratic Precipitates, OCT = Optical Coherence Tomography, AL = Axial Length, ACD = Anterior Chamber Depth, LT = Lens Thickness, CCT = Central Corneal Thickness, Ks = Steep Value of Keratometry, Kf = Flat Value of Keratometry, AUP = Active Uveitis Patients, IUP = Inactive Uveitis Patients, SUN = Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature.