Identification of an infectious cause in intraocular inflammation is of crucial importance since their treatment and prognosis differ from non-infectious aetiologies. Anterior uveitis is a common form of infectious intraocular inflammation. A viral cause of anterior uveitis is often underestimated, as anterior uveitis in most patients is either idiopathic or associated with HLA-B27 positivity.
Identification of an infectious cause in intraocular inflammation is of crucial importance since their treatment and prognosis differ from non-infectious aetiologies. Anterior uveitis is a common form of infectious intraocular inflammation. A viral cause of anterior uveitis is often underestimated, as anterior uveitis in most patients is either idiopathic or associated with HLA-B27 positivity.
Herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses are well known causes of anterior uveitis. Furthermore, cytomegalovirus and rubella virus are also detected in a significant number of patients. Despite their different aetiology, viral anterior uveitis may have similar features.
Viruses are increasingly recognised as aetiology of anterior uveitis that has previously been referred as idiopathic. Rubella virus, for example, causes a distinct clinical spectrum of ocular signs and symptoms presenting as Fuch’s uveitis syndrome in Europe, strongly suggesting a role in its pathogenesis. Interestingly, cytomegalovirus may also be involved in the pathogenesis of both Fuch’s uveitis syndrome and Posner–Schlossman syndrome, in particular, in the Asian population.
Dr Dicle Hazirolan writes a review on ‘viral aetiologies in anterior uveitis’ in this issue of European Ophthalmic Review. This review is only one of many interesting and up-to-date articles that will provide readers with useful information that may be applied to their daily practice. We hope you enjoy reading them. â–
