Diabetes Mellitus Related Anterior Uveitis - An Overlooked Clinical Entity.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of anterior uveitis in patients presenting with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and with no other identifiable cause for their uveitis.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 121 eyes in 89 patients who presented at Auckland District Health Board with idiopathic acute anterior uveitis and uncontrolled diabetes between September 2009 and January 2022.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was known prior to presentation in 80 subjects (89.9%) and was discovered as a result of screening tests in the remainder. Mean HbA1c at presentation was 117.3 mmol/mol. Most uveitis was severe with 3+ (30 eyes, 25.4%) or 4+ cells (30 eyes, 25.4%) in the anterior chamber. Recurrence occurred in 22 eyes (18.2%) and was associated with elevated HbA1c. The visual prognosis was good with median visual acuity at 12 months of 6/7.5.

CONCLUSION

Poorly controlled diabetes can be associated with acute anterior uveitis.