Anterior Uveitis (Iritis) Flashcards
What is anterior uveitis?
Inflammation of the uvea, specifically affecting the anterior segment of the eye, including the iris and ciliary body.
What are the common symptoms of anterior uveitis?
Eye pain, redness, photophobia, blurred vision, and tearing.
What are the common causes of anterior uveitis?
Idiopathic, autoimmune conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis), infections (e.g., herpes, syphilis), and trauma.
What is the pathophysiology of anterior uveitis?
Immune-mediated inflammation leads to disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier, causing cellular infiltration and protein leakage.
What are the clinical signs of anterior uveitis?
Conjunctival redness, perilimbal (ciliary) injection, keratic precipitates, and posterior synechiae.
What are keratic precipitates?
Small white or grey deposits of inflammatory cells on the corneal endothelium.
What are posterior synechiae?
Adhesions between the iris and the lens, potentially causing an irregular pupil shape.
What is the typical onset of anterior uveitis?
Sudden, often with unilateral involvement, though bilateral cases can occur.
What is the role of slit-lamp examination in anterior uveitis?
To identify anterior chamber inflammation, keratic precipitates, and cells or flare in the aqueous humour.
What is “flare” in the context of anterior uveitis?
Protein leakage into the aqueous humour, giving it a smoky or hazy appearance.
What systemic conditions are associated with anterior uveitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Behçet’s disease.
What infections can cause anterior uveitis?
Herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, syphilis, and tuberculosis.
What is the treatment for anterior uveitis?
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) and cycloplegics (e.g., atropine) to reduce inflammation and pain.
What is the role of cycloplegics in anterior uveitis?
To relieve pain caused by ciliary spasm and prevent the formation of posterior synechiae.
What are the complications of untreated anterior uveitis?
Cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and permanent vision loss.
What are the differential diagnoses for anterior uveitis?
Conjunctivitis, scleritis, keratitis, and angle-closure glaucoma.
What is the prognosis for anterior uveitis with treatment?
Generally good with prompt and appropriate treatment, but recurrences are common in chronic or autoimmune cases.
What is HLA-B27, and how is it related to anterior uveitis?
HLA-B27 is a genetic marker associated with autoimmune diseases that frequently cause anterior uveitis.
What is the role of systemic immunosuppressants in anterior uveitis?
Used for severe or recurrent cases, particularly when associated with systemic autoimmune conditions.
What investigations are required for recurrent anterior uveitis?
Blood tests (e.g., HLA-B27, inflammatory markers), chest X-ray, and serology for infections like syphilis or tuberculosis.
What is hypopyon?
A collection of white blood cells in the anterior chamber, visible as a yellowish-white layer.
What is the significance of recurrent anterior uveitis?
Recurrent episodes may indicate an underlying systemic condition requiring investigation.
How does trauma cause anterior uveitis?
Direct injury to the eye disrupts the blood-aqueous barrier, triggering inflammation.
Why is early diagnosis of anterior uveitis important?
Prompt treatment prevents complications such as synechiae, glaucoma, and vision loss.
What lifestyle modifications are recommended for anterior uveitis?
Avoid triggers such as stress, manage systemic diseases, and attend regular follow-ups for early detection of recurrences.
