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Modulation of the blood-aqueous barrier by light exposure in patients with uveitis
O Cuzzani1, T Onodera, H V Gimbel
1Gimbel Eye Centre, Calgary, Alta.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of light deprivation on flare measurements in patients with uveitis.
Design:
Prospective study.
Setting:
Eye clinic providing tertiary ophthalmic care in Calgary.
Patients:
Five consecutive patients with a history of long-standing uveitis.
Interventions:
Flare measurements were obtained with the Kowa FC-1000 flare-cell meter before and after 24 hours of monocular occlusion, and before and after wearing sunglasses during waking hours in a 24-hour period.
Outcome Measure:
Aqueous flare.
Results:
A significant decrease in flare was observed after 24 hours of occlusion in all patients (p < 0.01). One patient showed an interesting change in response when her steroid treatment was tapered and subsequently stopped. Two of three patients showed a decrease in flare after wearing sunglasses.
Conclusions:
These preliminary results suggest that sunlight causes breakdown of the blood-ocular barrier in certain cases of uveitis. Further investigation is needed to determine the extent and mechanisms of light-induced breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier as well as the role of sunglasses and anti-inflammatory medications as potential modulators of light-induced inflammation.