Anterior Uveitis

Question 1

what is the uvea

Answer 1

the iris, ciliary body and choroid

Question 2

what causes anterior uveitis

Answer 2

mainly autoimmune
trauma
infection
ischaemia
malignancy

Question 3

pathophysiology of anterior uveitis

Answer 3

inflammation and infiltration of the anterior chamber
may be chronic (>3months) which is granulomatous (more macrophages)

Question 4

presentation of anterior uveitis

Answer 4

spontaenous red painful eye
unilateral
may be during flare of inflammatory condition

Question 5

what is acute anterior uveitis associated with

Answer 5

HLA B27 gene
ankylosis spondylitis
IBD
reactive arthritis

Question 6

what is chronic anterior uveitis associated with

Answer 6

sarcoidosis
syphilis
lyme disease
TB
herpes

Question 7

what are some signs/ symptoms of anterior uveitis

Answer 7

cillary flush
miosis
photophobia
excessive tears
decreased vision, floaters, flashes

Question 8

what is hypopyon in anterior uveitis

Answer 8

collection of WBC in anterior chamber seen as yellowish fluid colletion settles in front of lower iris

Question 9

why can you get an abnormally shaped pupil in anterior uveitis

Answer 9

due to adhesions (posterior synechiae) pulling the pupil

Question 10

initial management of anterior uveitis

Answer 10

same day referral to ophthalmology due to risk to vision

Question 11

what are some further management options for anterior uveitis

Answer 11

steriods
immunosuppression
antimuscarinics (dilate pupil and reduce pain from cillary spasm)
laser therapy