[Immunology in clinical practice. XIII. Immune diseases of the eye]

The eye has a special relationship with the immune system; normally, there appears to be intraocular suppression of inflammatory responses. Studies of the immunological principles of intraocular inflammation (uveitis) are mostly done in animal models. Although very complicated, uveitis appears in any case to be T-cell mediated. Uveitis is classified according to anatomical location as anterior, intermediate, posterior and pan-uveitis. Other immunological disorders are the sicca syndrome, keratitis and scleritis. All these disorders may or may not be associated with systemic autoimmune diseases. The chronic and recurring characteristics make uveitis a serious threat to vision. A rapid diagnosis and adequate treatment are therefore very important.