DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GRANULOMATOUS AND EXUDATIVE ANTERIOR UVEITIS

 Anterior uveitis is a type of inflammation that affects the front part of the uveal tract, specifically the iris and ciliary body. It can be divided into two types: granulomatous and exudative anterior uveitis. The main difference between these two types is the presence or absence of granulomas, which are small clusters of inflammatory cells. In this article, we will discuss the differences between granulomatous and exudative anterior uveitis, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Introduction

Anterior uveitis is a common condition that can occur at any age, but is more common in young adults. It is an inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, the front part of the uveal tract. Anterior uveitis can be classified into two types: granulomatous and exudative anterior uveitis. The main difference between these two types is the presence or absence of granulomas.

Granulomatous Anterior Uveitis

Granulomatous anterior uveitis is characterized by the presence of granulomas, which are small clusters of inflammatory cells. The most common cause of granulomatous anterior uveitis is sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disorder. Other causes include tuberculosis, syphilis, and fungal infections. The symptoms of granulomatous anterior uveitis include:

  1. Eye pain: This can be a dull or severe pain in the eye.
  2. Redness of the eye: This can occur due to the inflammation and increased blood flow to the eye.
  3. Photophobia: This is an abnormal sensitivity to light.
  4. Blurred vision: This can occur due to the inflammation and swelling of the iris and ciliary body.
  5. Floaters: This can occur due to the inflammation and swelling of the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the back of the eye.

The treatment of granulomatous anterior uveitis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. The most common treatments include:

  1. Topical corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory medications that are applied directly to the eye. They are used to reduce the inflammation and prevent further vision loss.
  2. Oral corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory medications that are taken by mouth. They are used to reduce the inflammation and prevent further vision loss.
  3. Immunomodulatory therapy: This type of therapy is used to suppress the immune system, which is overactive in autoimmune disorders.
  4. Antitubercular therapy: This type of therapy is used to treat tuberculosis.

Exudative Anterior Uveitis

Exudative anterior uveitis is characterized by the absence of granulomas. The most common cause of exudative anterior uveitis is acute anterior uveitis, a type of iritis. Other causes include herpes simplex virus, syphilis, and trauma. The symptoms of exudative anterior uveitis are similar to those of granulomatous anterior uveitis, including eye pain, redness of the eye, photophobia, blurred vision, and floaters.

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