Role of Investigations in Uveitis

Abstract

Background: To outline the need/use of investigations in cases of uveitis.
Methods and Patients: This study was carried out from April 2001 to July 2004 in Unit-I, affiliated
to Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore. Total duration was more than 3-years. All the
patients underwent complete ophthalmological and medical evaluation. Eye examination
included record of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit lamp biomicroscopy and examination of
the posterior segment with indirect ophthalmoscope and 78D lens. Baseline screening tests were
advised in all cases of uveitis. Special investigations were ordered only when there was high
clinical suspicion of systemic diseases.
Results: 69 eyes of 42 patients of uveitis of different varieties were followed for more than 3
years. 71% of the patients were male while 29% were female. 60% of the patients belonged to
younger age group between 20-39 years of age. Anterior uveitis was present in 69% of patients,
20% of these patients had unilateral recurrent anterior uveitis while 21% had posterior uveitis, and
remaining 10% had other types of uveitis. Baseline screening investigations revealed raised
ESR in all 42 patients and lymphocytosis in the patient with carcinoma of prostate. All other
investigations whether baseline or specialized were negative.
Conclusion: We conclude that detailed investigations are not justified in all patients of uveitis and
they should be ordered only when a reasonable chance exists that they will provide useful
diagnostic information for a particular patient.