title: Visual impairment from uveitis in a reference hospital of Southeast Brazil: a retrospective review over a twenty years period.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the frequency and causes of uveitis leading to visual impairment in patients referred to the Low Vision Service - Department of Ophthalmology - UNIFESP, over a twenty years period.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a retrospective study, medical records of 5,461 patients were reviewed. Data from the first clinical evaluation at the Low Vision Service were collected, patient's age, gender and cause of visual impairment were analyzed. Patients with uveitis had their chart reviewed for anatomical classification and clinical diagnosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the patients referred to the Low Vision Service was 42.86 years and the mean age of patients with uveitis diagnosis was 25.51 years. Retinal disorders were the most common cause of visual impairment (N=2,835 patients; 51.9%) followed by uveitis (862 patients, 15.7%). Uveitis was posterior in 792 patients (91.9% of uveitis) and toxoplasmosis was the most common diagnosis (765 patients, 88.7%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our study, uveitis represents the second cause of visual impairment in patients referred for visual rehabilitation and toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis was the most common clinical diagnosis. It affects a young working age population with a relevant social and economic impact, but the early diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life of these patients.
authors: Luci Meire Pereira da
authors: LM
authors: Silva
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Muccioli
authors: Filipe de
authors: Fd
authors: Oliveira
authors: Tiago Eugênio
authors: TE
authors: Arantes
authors: Lucas Renó
authors: LR
authors: Gonzaga
authors: Célia Regina
authors: CR
authors: Nakanami
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014605:Uveitis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D014792:Visual Acuity; D055815:Young Adult