Abstract

Visual Outcome of Anterior Uveitis in a Tertiary Hospital in South-East Nigeria

Objectives: To determine the visual outcome of anterior uveitis following treatment in a tertiary hospital in South- East Nigeria. Methods: A 5-year retrospective analysis of the visual outcome of anterior uveitis in patients treated for anterior uveitis at a tertiary eye center. A proforma was used in retrieving information on socio-demographics, presenting visual acuity, ocular examination findings, Intraocular Pressure (IOP), duration of follow-up, type of treatments given, routes of drug administration, and complications recorded in the patients on every visit. Data obtained was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 23) with statistical significance at p<0.05. Results: One hundred and seventy-three patients (191 eyes) comprising 99 (57.2%) males and 74 (42.8%) females were analyzed. Their ages range from 7 to 82 years, a mean of 39.1 ± 17.8 years. Thirteen (7.5%) were children ≤ 16 years. Unilateral involvement occurred in 155 (89.6%) patients. Ciliary flush 127 (66.5%), and unreactive pupil 48 (25.1%) were the commonest presenting eye signs. Cataract 33 (17.3%) and posterior synechiae 23 (12.0%) were the commonest recorded complications. The majority was treated with only topical steroids and cycloplegics 162 (84.8%). On presentation, 63 (33.0%) and 19 (9.9%) eyes had severe vision loss and moderate vision loss respectively; while at 12 weeks with 13.6% follow-up, 12 (6.3%) and 3 (1.6%) eyes had severe vision loss and moderate vision loss respectively. Conclusions: Anterior uveitis has a fairly good visual outcome following treatment. Tackling issues related to vision loss from anterior uveitis should be directed at factors influencing late presentation to the clinic and poor adherence to follow-up visits.

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