Clinico-epidemiologic Profile of Uveitis and Scleritis at a Tertiary Eye Center in Central Nepal

Abstract

Background
The advent of newer diagnostic modalities, trained manpower and a change in population dynamics as well as socio-demographic profile leads to increased diagnosis of uveitis. Patterns of uveitis in the same region may differ in due course of time which must be noted for early diagnosis and treatment protocols to be established.It is necessary to study patterns to establish regional epidemiology and guidelines.
Methods
Consecutive cases of uveitis and scleritis attending a tertiary eye center in central Nepal through January 2024 to June 2024 examined by a single uveitis specialist were included in the study. With the exception of cases with isolated unilateral non-granulomatous anterior uveitis, all patients were advised standard battery of uveitis investigations. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the profile of uveitis at a tertiary centre in Bharatpur, Nepal
Results
Study included 242 eyes of 200 patients among them 42 cases had bilateral (21%) Uveitis and Scleritis. Most cases had first episode of acute uveitis 108 (54%) followed by acute, recurrent uveitis 68 (34%). The most common form of uveitis was anterior uveitis 84(42%) followed by panuveitis 34 (17%) and anterior with intermediate uveitis 23 (11.5%) and the most common diagnostic entity was idiopathic 54 (27%) followed by toxoplasmosis 25 (12.5%).
Conclusions
Meticulous examination of anterior and posterior segments of the eye should be done in all cases of uveitis and standard battery of tests should be advised to diagnose and treat uveitis entities. Infectious causes of uveitis should be investigated as a priority.