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Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome.
Anita G Prasad1, Russell N Van Gelder
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|November 3, 2005
Summary
Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) causes vision loss. Recent advances show photodynamic therapy and intravitreal corticosteroids are effective for POHS complications, despite its unclear cause.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) is a major cause of visual impairment.
- The exact cause of POHS remains under investigation, with ongoing debate regarding the role of Histoplasma capsulatum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest literature on the pathogenesis of POHS.
- To focus on recent advancements in treating the complications of POHS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on POHS.
- Analysis of clinical trials and case series on treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a potential link between Histoplasma capsulatum and POHS, but similar conditions occur without seropositivity.
- Photodynamic therapy and intravitreal corticosteroids show promise for treating subretinal neovascularization in POHS.
- Subretinal surgery has not demonstrated efficacy in managing POHS complications.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in treating the blinding complications of POHS.
- Despite etiological uncertainties, effective therapeutic options are emerging for POHS.