Research in Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation, 2011 to 2012

Purpose: This study was aimed to provide ophthalmologists with an update of recent research and developments in the areas of ocular immunology and uveitis. Design: This is a literature review. Methods: A 1-year search (July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012) of the English language literature on PubMed was conducted using the search terms ocular immunology, ocular inflammation, uveitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis, pediatric uveitis, scleritis, choroiditis, retinitis, uveitic glaucoma, uveitic cataract, hypotony, immunomodulators, immunosuppressive therapy, corticosteroids, drug-induced uveitis, sarcoidosis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, optical coherence tomography, mucous membrane pemphigoid, experimental autoimmune uveitis, and endotoxin-induced uveitis. Approximately 10% of articles studied were included in this article. Results: This review incorporates original articles encompassing new insights and updates to the field of uveitis and ocular immunology. Particular consideration was given to randomized, controlled clinical trials as well as analyses of larger cohorts; however, smaller studies and case reports involving new aspects of treatment/diagnosis or expanding the understanding of disease processes were also included. Conclusions: Review of the literature reflected an improved understanding of uveitic disease and treatments, especially in the areas of immunomodulatory therapy, uveitic cystoid macular edema, toxoplasmosis, and sarcoidosis. Results from the Systemic Immunosuppressive Therapy for Eye Diseases Study and the Multicenter Uveitis Steroid Treatment trial, especially, yielded useful information in a number of areas. By its nature, this review cannot be all inclusive but is meant to focus on the literature and results most relevant to ophthalmologists in practice.