Intermediate uveitis – a review.

ABSTRACT

Intermediate Uveitis (IU) is an inflammatory disease, primarily involving the vitreous and peripheral retina. It accounts for around 8% of cases of uveitis and affects primarily children and young adults. The etiology is unknown but, found as an isolated and idiopathic condition or in association with systemic disorders such as multiple sclerosis and sarcoidosis and infectious diseases. Symptoms include painless blurring of vision, floaters and deterioration of vision. Clinical features seen are anterior segment affection with keratic precipitates and anterior chamber cells, vitritis, vasculitis in the peripheral retina, vitreal snow banks and cystoid macular edema (CME). CME was the major threat for deterioration of vision; other complications include vitreous haemorrhage, periphlebitis, cataract and glaucoma. Treatment of intermediate uveitis is based on periocular and oral corticosteroids. Cryotherapy or laser photocoagulations of the peripheral retina are options in patients when there is an insufficient response to periocular or systemic corticosteroids. Immunomodulatory therapy is used when other therapies fail. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is indicated in patients with chronic significant inflammation, non-responsive cystoid macular edema, non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment and epiretinal membranes. IU is an intraocular inflammation involving the anterior vitreous, peripheral retina and pars plana. It usually affects patients from 5 to 30 years old, without gender or racial preferences. The etiology is unknown but there are several associated diseases. The long-term prognosis of intermediate uveitis is usually good, particularly with strict control of inflammation and with proper management of complications.