Special considerations in the evaluation and management of uveitis in children.

Abstract

To review issues related to the diagnosis, examination, and treatment of children with uveitis that are important for ophthalmologists. Literature review. A review was made of pertinent reports from the medical literature, with commentary based on the authors' experiences and on discussions at an international workshop. There are differences between children and adults in the differential diagnosis and manifestations of uveitis that should be considered during evaluation. There may be a higher risk of some ocular complications such as uveitic glaucoma, and the presence of other unique complications, such as amblyopia, in young patients during follow-up. With regard to treatment, children with uveitis may have unique dosing requirements and drug-associated risks such as growth retardation with systemic corticosteroids that must be considered. Examination and treatment may also be more difficult with children because of problems with patient cooperation. There are unique patient care issues associated with uveitis in children that must be considered by care providers. Attention to these issues will improve the well-being of this patient population.