anterior uveitis

Question 1

what is uveitis?

Answer 1

Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uveal tissues, which include iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
Commonly it occurs and is localised to the anterior segment of the eye, referred to as iritis. There
is a strong association of iritis in autoimmune conditions such as seronegative arthritides, and in
HLAB27 positive antigen individuals (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis). However, it can be of infectious
aetiology as well.

Question 2

features of ant. uveitis?

Answer 2

conjunctival hyperaemia (circumciliary injection), photophobia and eye
ache. Examination on slit lamp often reveals inflammatory cells in the aqueous humour often with
an associated haze called flare. In advanced cases there are often additional signs that can
include:
• Hypopyon: settling of the inflammatory cells by gravity to the bottom of the anterior
chamber
• Iris synechiae: Iris sticking to the lens anterior capsule due to the inflammation
• Keratic precipitates: inflammatory cells settling as clumps on the corneal endothelium
• Uveitis can also affect other uveal structures manifesting iridocyclitis, vitritis, retinitis.
• Panuveitis is when all uveal structures are inflamed.

Question 3

mx

Answer 3

Treatment relies on:
• Topical corticosteroids (e.g. prednisolone, loteprednol)
• Cycloplegic-mydriatic drugs (e.g. cyclopentolate 1%)