Modulation of the blood-aqueous barrier by light exposure in patients with uveitis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of light deprivation on flare measurements in patients with uveitis.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Eye clinic providing tertiary ophthalmic care in Calgary.


METHODS
Five consecutive patients with a history of long-standing uveitis.


METHODS
Flare measurements were obtained with the Kowa FC-1000 flare-cell meter before and after 24 hours of monocular occlusion, and before and after wearing sunglasses during waking hours in a 24-hour period.


METHODS
Aqueous flare.


RESULTS
A significant decrease in flare was observed after 24 hours of occlusion in all patients (p < 0.01). One patient showed an interesting change in response when her steroid treatment was tapered and subsequently stopped. Two of three patients showed a decrease in flare after wearing sunglasses.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results suggest that sunlight causes breakdown of the blood-ocular barrier in certain cases of uveitis. Further investigation is needed to determine the extent and mechanisms of light-induced breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier as well as the role of sunglasses and anti-inflammatory medications as potential modulators of light-induced inflammation.
Cuzzani
O
O
Gimbel Eye Centre, Calgary, Alta.
Onodera
T
T
Gimbel
H V
HV
D000328:Adult; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000166:cytology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D018916:Blood-Aqueous Barrier / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002199:Capillary Permeability / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002452:Cell Count; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014606:Uveitis, Anterior / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014792:Visual Acuity