Uveal Effusion: Clinical Features, Management, and Visual Outcomes in a Retrospective Case Series

To present the experience of a tertiary care ophthalmic institution in the assessment and management of uncommon causes of uveal effusion and related complications.

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 12 patients diagnosed with uveal effusion and managed at our institution between 1996 and 2012. The presenting features, investigations, management, and outcomes were analyzed for each case.

The case series encompasses a variety of clinical conditions that cause uveal effusion including inflammatory, hydrostatic, and idiopathic mechanisms. Two thirds of the patients presented with secondary angle closure. Half of the patients had serous retinal detachment. Modern imaging techniques including ultrasound biomicroscopy and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging were critical in making the diagnosis. Seven of the 12 patients responded to medical treatment and 4 required scleral surgery. Uveal effusions resolved in all patients after treatment.

Uveal effusion is a complex and poorly understood clinical entity with significant visual morbidity and is caused by a range of ocular and systemic diseases. Effective management is critically dependent on the underlying cause.