In vivo analysis of Schlemm's canal axial dimensions in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate Schlemm's canal (SC) axial dimensions using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (JIA-U) and to investigate its relationship with uveitis-related prognostic factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 60 eyes of 30 children with JIA-U and 33 eyes of 33 healthy pediatric controls. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination, biometric measurements, anterior chamber angle (ACA) assessment, and Schlemm's canal axial length (SCAL) measurements were performed using AS-OCT at nasal and temporal locations with right nasal SCAL used for the between-group comparison. Inter-eye, inter-location, and group comparisons were conducted. Subgroup and correlation analyses evaluated associations between SCAL and JIA-U-related clinical prognostic factors.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between right and left eyes or between nasal and temporal SCAL measurements in the JIA-U group. SCAL and ACA parameters did not differ significantly between the JIA-U and control groups (p > 0.05 for all). Correlation analysis revealed a location-specific significant negative association between uveitis duration and temporal SCAL in the right eye (r = - 0.489, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In JIA-U children with well-controlled inflammation and intraocular pressure, SC axial dimensions appear to be largely preserved. A location-specific, exploratory inverse association was observed between uveitis duration and right temporal SCAL. These results warrant confirmation in larger, prospective studies before any conclusions regarding the impact of disease duration on aqueous outflow structures can be drawn.