This is a chronic uveitis of unknown cause. The inflammation is most marked in the middle part of the uveal tract of the eye. This middle part, the pars plana, is that part of the eye between the ciliary body and the retina.
| Floaters (both eyes in 75%) |
| Reduced vision due to floaters |
| Reduced vision due to cystoid macular oedema (waterlogging in the retina) |
| Usually painless, white, quiet eye |
| In rare occasions aching eyes and sensitivity to light |
| Teens to early adulthood |
| Equally affects men and women |
| Not inherited |
| Minimal anterior chamber cells |
| No posterior synechiae |
| "Snow balls" and "snow banking" at the pars plana |
| Cataract |
| Retina - in rare instances a periphlebitis, cystoid macular oedema (CMO), or disc oedema may be found |
| In rare cases tractional retinal detachment may occur |
| Cataract - Occurs in 30 - 40% |
| Cystoid macular oedema (CMO) - 20 - 50% |
| Multiple sclerosis - develops at some point in about 20% of sufferers of intermediate uveitis |
The diagnosis of intermediate uveitis is on the clinical judgement of the ophthalmologist. There is no specific test. However, tests may be requested to exclude other causes of uveitis such as
| Blood tests |
| Chest X-rays |
| Angiography |
Every few months to yearly depending on complications
In many cases visual acuity is not markedly decreased and therefore no treatment is necessary
If the visual acuity is markedly decreased, treatment may include
| Injection of steroids around the eye |
| Oral acetazolomide (Diamox) |
| Oral steroids (Prednisolone) |
| Oral cyclosporin |
| Cataract surgery |
Unknown. Some experts suggest it may be due to auto-antibodies against the vitreous base.