The risk of complications of uveitis in a district hospital cohort. Issue 4 (18th March 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maini, R; O'Sullivan, J; Reddy, A; Watson, S; Edelsten, C
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 88:Issue 4(2004)
• Page Start: 512
• Page End: 517
• Publication Date: 2004-03-18
• Subjects: uveitis -- age -- visual loss -- epidemiology; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2002.013334
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: To establish the frequency and risk factors for visual loss in a primary referral cohort of hospital patients with uveitis. Methods: 561 consecutive uveitis patients attending three district hospitals were recruited and the acuity at the end of the study period recorded. A retrospective case-control study of risk factors for visual loss (permanent loss of acuity <6/9) was performed. Risk factors examined included type of uveitis, age at onset of uveitis, race, type of systemic inflammatory disease, length of follow up, and treatment variables. Results: Visual loss of at least 6/12 in one eye was found in 111 patients (19.9%). Only four patients (0.7%) suffered severe bilateral visual loss (6/36 or less). Visual loss was associated with age at onset >60 years (odds ratio 3.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2 to 7.0, long follow up 2.0 (1.2 to 3.3) and a history of cataract surgery 3.9 (2.1 to 7.2). It was less likely in patients with acute anterior uveitis 0.2 (0.1 to 0.3). Conclusion: The frequency of visual loss associated with uveitis in a district hospital cohort is less than that found in referral centres and levels of legal blindness are low. Although acute anterior uveitis has a low frequency of visual loss it contributes significantly to the total burden. The ocular co-morbidity of the elderly may contribute to the increased visual loss of late onset uveitis.