The effect of the Dead Sea environment on uveitis

Uveitis is an acute or chronic inflammatory process of the uvea caused by a number of etiologies. In many patients the etiology is unknown.

To investigate the effect of the Dead Sea environment (climatotherapy) on the signs, symptoms and clinical course of chronic uveitis.

Fifty-five patients with chronic uveitis were examined at the beginning and end of a 3-4 week stay at the Dead Sea region and on repeat visits to the region. Study data included demographic information, medical history, etiology, diagnosis, medication, and a complete ophthalmic examination.

Statistically significant improvements were seen between the two examinations within each visit in four parameters (negative values indicate improvement): a) visual acuity for near and far: Jaeger (-0.98 +/- 0.18, P < or = 0.001) and best corrected visual acuity (-0.22 +/- 0.04, P < or = 0.0001); b) anterior chamber flare (-0.18 +/- 0.06, P < or = 0.01); c) anterior chamber cells (-0.12 +/- 0.03, P < or = 0.0001); and d) vitreous cells (-0.17 +/- 0.05, P < or = 0.001). There was a significant mean improvement during visits to the Dead Sea area and a slight dissipation of the effect during the intervals between visits. Sixty-four percent of the patients reported that they required less medication and had fewer and milder attacks of uveitis following the visits.

The results of this study provide evidence of short- and possibly long-term improvement in the signs and symptoms of uveitis following exposure to the Dead Sea environment.