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'''Intermediate uveitis''' is a form of [[uveitis]], a group of inflammatory diseases that produces swelling and destroys eye tissues. These diseases can slightly reduce vision or lead to severe vision loss. Intermediate uveitis, also known as pars planitis, is characterized by inflammation of the vitreous and peripheral retina.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
== Causes ==
| name                    = Intermediate uveitis
The exact cause of intermediate uveitis is unknown. However, it is often associated with systemic conditions such as [[sarcoidosis]], [[multiple sclerosis]], and [[Behçet's disease]]. It can also occur as an isolated condition with no identifiable cause.
| image                  = [[File:Anterior_vitreous_cells.jpg|250px]]
 
| caption                = Anterior vitreous cells seen in intermediate uveitis
== Symptoms ==
| field                  = [[Ophthalmology]]
The most common symptoms of intermediate uveitis include [[floaters]], blurred vision, and progressive loss of vision. Other symptoms may include pain, redness of the eye, and sensitivity to light.
| synonyms                = Pars planitis, peripheral uveitis
 
| symptoms                = [[Floaters]], [[blurred vision]], [[photophobia (medicine)|photophobia]]
| complications          = [[Cystoid macular edema]], [[cataract]], [[glaucoma]]
| onset                  = Typically in young adults
| duration                = Chronic
| types                  =
| causes                  = Often idiopathic, can be associated with [[multiple sclerosis]], [[sarcoidosis]], [[Lyme disease]]
| risks                  =
| diagnosis              = [[Ophthalmoscopy]], [[fluorescein angiography]], [[optical coherence tomography]]
| differential            = [[Posterior uveitis]], [[anterior uveitis]], [[retinal detachment]]
| prevention              =
| treatment              = [[Corticosteroids]], [[immunosuppressive drug|immunosuppressive therapy]], [[cryotherapy]], [[vitrectomy]]
| medication              = [[Corticosteroids]], [[methotrexate]], [[infliximab]]
| prognosis              = Variable, can lead to vision loss if untreated
| frequency              = Rare
| deaths                  =
}}
'''Intermediate uveitis''' is a form of [[uveitis]] that primarily affects the [[vitreous body]] and the peripheral [[retina]]. It is characterized by inflammation of the [[pars plana]], the area between the [[ciliary body]] and the [[retina]]. This condition is also known as "pars planitis" when it occurs without an associated systemic disease.
== Clinical Features ==
Intermediate uveitis typically presents with floaters and blurred vision. Patients may also experience mild discomfort or redness in the affected eye. The hallmark of intermediate uveitis is the presence of inflammatory cells in the [[vitreous humor]], which can be observed during an eye examination.
=== Symptoms ===
* Floaters
* Blurred vision
* Mild eye discomfort
* Redness of the eye
=== Signs ===
* Vitreous cells and haze
* Snowbanking or snowballs in the peripheral retina
* Possible cystoid macular edema
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of intermediate uveitis involves a thorough examination of the eye by an [[ophthalmologist]]. This may include a [[fundus examination]], [[fluorescein angiography]], and [[optical coherence tomography]].
The diagnosis of intermediate uveitis is primarily clinical, based on the presence of vitreous cells and the exclusion of other causes of uveitis. Ancillary tests such as [[fluorescein angiography]] and [[optical coherence tomography]] (OCT) may be used to assess the extent of retinal involvement and macular edema.
 
== Etiology ==
Intermediate uveitis can be idiopathic or associated with systemic diseases such as [[multiple sclerosis]], [[sarcoidosis]], or [[Lyme disease]]. It is important to evaluate patients for these conditions, especially if the uveitis is bilateral or recurrent.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for intermediate uveitis aims to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the eye. This may involve the use of [[corticosteroids]], [[immunosuppressive drugs]], and in some cases, surgery.
The treatment of intermediate uveitis aims to reduce inflammation and prevent complications. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy, administered either topically, orally, or via periocular injections. In cases where corticosteroids are insufficient or contraindicated, immunosuppressive agents such as [[methotrexate]] or [[azathioprine]] may be used.
 
=== Corticosteroids ===
* Topical corticosteroids for mild cases
* Oral corticosteroids for more severe inflammation
* Periocular injections for localized treatment
=== Immunosuppressive Therapy ===
* Methotrexate
* Azathioprine
* Biologic agents in refractory cases
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for intermediate uveitis varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate treatment, most people with intermediate uveitis can maintain good vision.
The prognosis for intermediate uveitis varies depending on the underlying cause and the response to treatment. With appropriate management, many patients can achieve good visual outcomes. However, complications such as [[cataract]], [[glaucoma]], and [[macular edema]] can affect the prognosis.
 
== See Also ==
== See also ==
* [[Uveitis]]
* [[Uveitis]]
* [[Sarcoidosis]]
* [[Vitreous body]]
* [[Multiple sclerosis]]
* [[Retina]]
* [[Behçet's disease]]
* [[Ciliary body]]
 
{{Uveitis}}
[[Category:Eye diseases]]
[[Category:Inflammatory diseases]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
 
[[Category:Inflammatory diseases of the eye]]
{{stub}}
{{dictionary-stub1}}

Latest revision as of 03:42, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Intermediate uveitis
Synonyms Pars planitis, peripheral uveitis
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Floaters, blurred vision, photophobia
Complications Cystoid macular edema, cataract, glaucoma
Onset Typically in young adults
Duration Chronic
Types
Causes Often idiopathic, can be associated with multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, Lyme disease
Risks
Diagnosis Ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography
Differential diagnosis Posterior uveitis, anterior uveitis, retinal detachment
Prevention
Treatment Corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, cryotherapy, vitrectomy
Medication Corticosteroids, methotrexate, infliximab
Prognosis Variable, can lead to vision loss if untreated
Frequency Rare
Deaths


Intermediate uveitis is a form of uveitis that primarily affects the vitreous body and the peripheral retina. It is characterized by inflammation of the pars plana, the area between the ciliary body and the retina. This condition is also known as "pars planitis" when it occurs without an associated systemic disease.

Clinical Features[edit]

Intermediate uveitis typically presents with floaters and blurred vision. Patients may also experience mild discomfort or redness in the affected eye. The hallmark of intermediate uveitis is the presence of inflammatory cells in the vitreous humor, which can be observed during an eye examination.

Symptoms[edit]

  • Floaters
  • Blurred vision
  • Mild eye discomfort
  • Redness of the eye

Signs[edit]

  • Vitreous cells and haze
  • Snowbanking or snowballs in the peripheral retina
  • Possible cystoid macular edema

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of intermediate uveitis is primarily clinical, based on the presence of vitreous cells and the exclusion of other causes of uveitis. Ancillary tests such as fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be used to assess the extent of retinal involvement and macular edema.

Etiology[edit]

Intermediate uveitis can be idiopathic or associated with systemic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, or Lyme disease. It is important to evaluate patients for these conditions, especially if the uveitis is bilateral or recurrent.

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of intermediate uveitis aims to reduce inflammation and prevent complications. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy, administered either topically, orally, or via periocular injections. In cases where corticosteroids are insufficient or contraindicated, immunosuppressive agents such as methotrexate or azathioprine may be used.

Corticosteroids[edit]

  • Topical corticosteroids for mild cases
  • Oral corticosteroids for more severe inflammation
  • Periocular injections for localized treatment

Immunosuppressive Therapy[edit]

  • Methotrexate
  • Azathioprine
  • Biologic agents in refractory cases

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for intermediate uveitis varies depending on the underlying cause and the response to treatment. With appropriate management, many patients can achieve good visual outcomes. However, complications such as cataract, glaucoma, and macular edema can affect the prognosis.

See Also[edit]

Template:Uveitis