Chennai
There are categories of uveitis and it depends on the inflammation, which occurs in the uvea. Anterior uveitis is the inflammation of the iris (iritis) or the iris and ciliary body, intermediate uveitis is inflammation of the ciliary body and posterior uveitis is inflammation of the choroid. Uveitis is a recurring condition.
Dr Jyotirmay Biswas, Director of Department of Uveitis, Sankara Nethralaya, says, “Uveitis constitutes 10 per cent of legal blindness cases in the world. The complex problem can be a result of infections like tuberculosis, leprosy, dengue, chikungunya, AIDS, etc.”
“However, it could also be due to autoimmune where the cause is unknown and the body reacts against itself. The treatment options vary from oral steroids to immunosuppressive agents. The patients have to undergo periodic follow up.”
Every year, Sankara Nethralaya has over 1,500 new patients consulting specialists at the eight-member department and Dr Biswas says that 20 per cent of the cases is intermediate uveitis. While uveitis is primarily prevalent among those in the age group of 20-40 years, there are also cases of children being diagnosed with it.
Dr Sudha K Ganesh, Deputy Director of the department at the hospital said that there was a steady rise in the number of patients with uveitis. “We can attribute it to a rise in awareness. We have been conducting a number of educational campaigns regarding the condition.”
Dr James Rosenbaum from Oregon claims that he sees close to 100 patients with the condition in his practise and reckons that the condition could be as common as diabetes. “Sankara Nethralaya is doing some amazing work in the field and many specialists in US consult Dr Biswas for their cases,” he adds.
The doctors say that the meet is going to throw more light on the condition and address challenging care, controversies, Imaging and newer treatment modalities.
If not treated on time it could lead to loss of vision due to cataract, glaucoma, macular edema, etc.
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