Uveitis: role of the physician in treating systemic causes.
For older patients with uveitis, defined as any inflammation of ocular structures--including the uvea--there are four typical etiologies: infection, "masquerade syndromes," systemic disease, and idiopathic. Uveitis is associated with a systemic cause in about 40% of cases. It manifests in a number of ways, but common symptoms include sudden onset of pain, redness, and sensitivity to light, chronic floaters, or a gradual decrease in vision. Diagnosis is aimed at finding an underlying cause. Depending on the symptoms, useful diagnostic tests include syphilis serology, chest x-ray, Lyme antibody titer, PPD skin test, and skin test for anergy. Treatment, including the use of corticosteroids or antibiotics, is based on the underlying etiology.
Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore.
J P
JP
Dunn
R A
RA
Nozik
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role; D014605:Uveitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*