Intermediate Uveitis: A Review

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2023 Jul;31(5):1041-1060. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2070503. Epub 2022 Jun 27.

Abstract

Purpose: This review aims to provide an update on the clinical presentation, etiologies, complications, and treatment options in intermediate uveitis (IU).

Methods: Narrative literature review.

Results: IU affects all age groups with no clear gender predominance and has varied etiologies including systemic illnesses and infectious diseases, or pars planitis. In some instances, IU may be the sole presentation of an underlying associated condition or disease. Management of IU and its complications include administration of corticosteroids, antimetabolites, T-cell inhibitors, and/or biologics, along with surgical interventions, with varying degrees of effectiveness across literature. In particular, increasing evidence of the safety and efficacy of immunomodulatory agents and biologics has seen greater adoption of these therapies in clinical practice.

Conclusions: IU is an anatomical description of uveitis, involving intraocular inflammation of the vitreous, peripheral retinal vasculature, and pars plana. Various treatment options for intermediate uveitis are currently used in practice.

Keywords: Cystoid macular edema; intermediate uveitis; pars planitis; snow balls; vitritis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Pars Planitis* / complications
  • T-Lymphocytes
  • Uveitis* / diagnosis
  • Uveitis* / drug therapy
  • Uveitis, Intermediate* / complications
  • Uveitis, Intermediate* / diagnosis
  • Uveitis, Intermediate* / drug therapy
  • Vision Disorders