Clinical patterns of Uveitis in a Regional Eye Institute of North India

Abstract

Background: Uveitis encompasses many conditions, all characterized by inflammation of the uvealtract either directly or indirectly. It can occur at any age but predominantly affects patients in theworking-age group. Objective: To report the clinical pattern of Uveitis in North India. Settings andDesign: A prospective study in a regional eye institute. Methods: After taking informed consent,100 patients with Uveitis aged 20–60 years were recruited from eye OPD between 2012- 2014.Detailed history, complete ophthalmic examination, standard diagnostic laboratory tests andradiographic studies wherever required were made. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive.Results: The mean age being 41.55 years. There were 57% males and 43% females with 32%acute uveitis and 68% chronic uveitis cases. Anterior Uveitis was seen in 83% of patients, followedby posterior Uveitis (7%), pan-uveitis (6%) and intermediate Uveitis (4%). A definite associationwith the systemic disease was determined in 27% of cases. The most frequently observed systemicdiseases were ankylosing spondylitis, Tuberculosis and herpes zoster ophthalmicus (6% cases each).This was followed by HIV (3%), sarcoidosis (3%), ulcerative colitis (2%) and endophthalmitis (1%).No specific aetiology or association with systemic diseases could be established in 73% of cases. Inmost cases, the systemic disease was not suspected before eye involvement and was recognizedonly after the subsequent diagnostic procedures. Conclusion: The etiological diagnosis of Uveitis isoften challenging as there are marked variations in ocular and systemic signs and symptoms. Asignificant number of cases may unfold with the evolution of advanced techniques.