The Prevalence of Uveitis in Southern India

Abstract

Purpose: : To estimate the prevalence of uveitis in rural TamilNadu, India.

Methods: : Cluster sampling identified a population-based sample of 5150 persons ages 40 years and older, representative of three districts in TamilNadu. Results of an ophthalmologist’s comprehensive dilated ocular examination, including required responses regarding ocular inflammatory signs and diagnoses, were noted. Two uveitis specialists reviewed study and medical records, confirming cases by consensus. Crude prevalence rates and prevalence rates age-adjusted to the 2001 TamilNadu census population were calculated.

Results: : Crude and age-adjusted prevalence rates for endogenous uveitis and all ocular inflammation were 310/100,000 and 317/100,000, and 450 and 467/100,000 respectively. Prevalence in this population tended to be higher among males than females, and among older than younger adults. Most cases of posterior uveitis and infectious endophthalmitis were visually compromised, but few instances of visual impairment were observed with other forms of ocular inflammation.

Conclusions: : Our results suggest that nearly 1 in 200 adults ≥40 years of age in rural, South India have been affected by ocular inflammation (about 1 in 330 for endogenous uveitis only). Post-surgical endophthalmitis, and posterior uveitis usually were associated with poor vision. Uveitis is an important cause of ocular morbidity and vision loss in this population.

Keywords: uveitis-clinical/animal model • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications