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Disease

Pars Planitis

 

 

 

Definition: Pars planitis is a form of uveitis, one of a diverse group of potentially blinding but treatable inflammatory eye disorders affecting the middle layer of the eye know as the uvea or uveal tract.  It is an immunological disorder of the eye characterized by inflammation of a part of the uvea, the layer of tissue between the sclera and the retina, the membranes protecting the eyeball. The uvea, in turn, is made up of three portions: the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. In addition, the uvea contains many of the blood vessels that supply the eye.

The pars plana is a narrow section of the ciliary body, inflammation of which is known as pars planitis. In association with the inflammation or immunological response, fluid and cells infiltrate the clear gelatin-like substance (vitreous humor) of the eyeball, near the retina and/or pars plana. As a result, swelling of the eye or eyes can also occur.

The inflammation occurs in the intermediate zone of the eye; that is, between the anterior part(s) of the eye (iris) and the posterior part(s), the retina and/or choroid. It has therefore been designated as one of the diseases of a family of intermediate uveitis.

 Causes: Pars planitis usually occurs in young men and is generally not associated with any other disease. However, there have been a few case reports of an association with Crohn's disease, and some experts suggest a possible association with multiple sclerosis. For this reason, these experts recommend that those over 25 years old diagnosed with pars planitis receive an MRI of their brain and spine.  

Signs & Symptoms:

• Redness of the eye
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Dark, floating spots in the vision
• Eye pain

Note: Symptoms may develop rapidly.

Diagnostic Testing: A complete medical history and eye examination should be performed. If there is suspicion of an associated systemic disease, a physical examination and laboratory tests may be needed to look for underlying causes.

Treatment: Pars planitis is often treated with steroid eye drops, but may be treated with oral steroids or another type of medication to suppress the immune system.