Uveitis
Abstract
The diagnosis of uveitis, especially of the low-grade recurring type, is one of the most exacting problems in medicine. Difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat, and offering a very poor prognosis, uveitis comprises one of the largest groups of ophthalmological cases. Few persons, other than the ophthalmologist, appreciate the loss of sight from this disease and its economic cost.
Uveitis may occur in two forms: (1) the acute exudative type which may be rapid and severe, or rapid and short-lived, and (2) the low-grade recurrent type which may present itself in recurring severe attacks, recurring mild attacks, persistent severe attacks, or persistent insidious mild attacks. Differentiations also may be made as to the portion of the eye attacked, i. e., the iris, ciliary body, or choroid. The involved part usually is attacked repeatedly. Because the attacks recur, uveitis presents a serious problem, and requires painstaking effort and skill in diagnosis and treatment. Yet, the prognosis must be guarded. The patient must be informed of his condition and must be studied from a physical standpoint, as it is inadequate to treat him locally and not generally as well.
The etiology of chronic uveitis may be classified as follows:
Group 1.—Uveitis due to foci of infection in the tonsils, teeth, prostate, cervix, gastro-intestinal tract, gall bladder, sinuses, etc.
Group 2.—Uveitis due to low-grade general infections, tuberculosis, syphilis, and undulant fever.
Group 3.—Uveitis associated with deficiency diseases, vitamin deficiency, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and allergy. Also in this group may be included. . .
