Impact of Ocular Complications on Visual Outcomes in Adult Patients With Uveitis

Background In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of ocular complications on visual outcomes in uveitis. Methodology We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 474 uveitis patients (655 eyes) with a mean age of 52.4 years who were followed for a median of 32 months (range: 8-80 months). Results At least one ocular complication was found in 317 eyes (48.4%), 161 of which were present at the time of diagnosis (prevalent complication). Although having an ocular complication was associated with a mean loss of 1.7 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) lines, the best-corrected visual acuity increased at the end of the study. Complications causing a decrease of )2 ETDRS lines were prevalent macular and peripheral retinal diseases, as well as new-onset comeal lesions, intraocular pressure alterations, and peripheral retinal diseases. Conclusions The impact of the most frequent complications (cataract and macular edema) did not reach two ETDRS lines. Macular diseases at presentation were the main risk factor for visual loss at the end of follow-up.