Prognosis of Uveitis

It is essential to perform a strict classification of the temporal aspects of each episode of uveitis with regards to when it starts, the duration and clinical course in order to establish a more detailed pattern of the ocular symptoms, which is key to the diagnosis.

For example, the onset may be sudden or insidious. The duration is described as limited, if less than 3 months, or persistent, if longer than this period, despite receiving appropriate treatment. The term acute refers to episodes of uveitis characterised by a sudden onset and of limited duration; whereas recurrent is used for repeat episodes separated by untreated periods of inactivity lasting for less than 3 months.

Chronic uveitis corresponds to cases of insidious onset and persistent duration, in which the inflammation reactivates soon after withdrawing treatment (within less than 3 months). An accurate classification of each case of uveitis in terms of its anatomical location, temporal aspects and the inflammatory activity produces a pattern of the ocular compromise, which is a key factor in the diagnostic process.

The diagnostic process is concluded with the clinical history, which reveals systemic diseases associated with a compatible pattern of uveitis, a complete ophthalmological examination and a request for any relevant additional tests required to confirm or rule out the initial diagnostic hypotheses.