Ocular inflammatory changes in established multiple sclerosis.

Fifty consecutive patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis were studied to assess the prevalence of concomitant uveitis. Asymptomatic ocular inflammatory changes were found in nine patients (18%) and appeared to show a positive correlation with severe and progressive disease. Conversely uveitis was uncommon in the presence of established optic atrophy which suggests a negative influence on its pathogenesis. In the absence of optic atrophy inflammatory changes in the eye may be a valuable index of disease activity.