Ophthalmology - Anterior Uveitis Flashcards
What are the components of the uvea?
- Iris
- Ciliary body
- Choroid
Where is the choroid located?
Between the retina and sclera
What are the less common types of uveitis?
- Intermediate uveitis
- Posterior uveitis
Anterior is the most common
What usually causes anterior uveitis?
Usually autoimmune process
Can also be due to infection, trauma, ischaemia, or malignancy
What does anterior uveitis involve?
Inflammation in the anterior chamber of the eye
Anterior chamber becomes infiltrated by neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages
What is hypopyon?
A fluid collection containing inflammatory cells seen at the bottom of the anterior chamber
What autoimmune conditions are associated with anterior uveitis?
- Seronegative spondyloarthropathies
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Behçet’s disease
Name examples of seronegative spondylarthropathies
Ankylosing spondylitis
Psoriatic arthritis
Reactive arthritis
How does anterior uveitis present?
- Painful red eye
- Reduced visual acuity
- Photophobia (ciliary muscle spasm)
- Excessive lacrimation
What examination findings are present in anterior uveitis?
Ciliary flush
Miosis
Abnormally shaped pupil due to posterior synechiae (adhesions)
Hypopyon
What does ciliary flush refer to?
A ring of red spreading from the cornea outwards.
What is miosis in the context of anterior uveitis?
A constricted pupil due to sphincter muscle contraction.
What examination finding indicates hypopyon?
Inflammatory cells collected as a white fluid in the anterior chamber.
What is the first-line treatment for anterior uveitis?
- Steroids (eye drops, oral or intravenous)
- Cycloplegics (e.g., cyclopentolate or atropine eye drops)
What is the role of cycloplegics in treating anterior uveitis?
They dilate the pupil and reduce pain associated with ciliary spasm
Antimuscarinics
Reduce action of the iris sphincter muscles and ciliary muscles
