Encouraging visual outcomes in children with idiopathic and JIA associated uveitis: a population-based study

Abstract Background Pediatric uveitis is typically asymptomatic and may become chronic affecting ocular structures and vision. We evaluated visual outcomes, clinical features, medication, and uveitis activity in children with either idiopathic uveitis (idio-U) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis (JIA-U). Methods A longitudinal, population-based cohort study of children with uveitis in 2008–2017. The data included parameters for age, gender, age at diagnosis, laterality, chronicity, anatomical distribution, etiology, systemic association, uveitis activity, medication, and visual outcomes. Results A total of 119 patients aged 0.8, [6/7.5]) in the affected eye and bilaterally in 85% idio-U and 70% JIA-U. Only 5 patients (4%) had visual impairment in one, but none in both eyes. Uveitis activity by SUN classification was 0 + in 81% and 72%, 0.5 + in 19% and 25%, and 1 + in 0% and 3% in the idio-U and JIA-U, respectively. Conclusions Children with uveitis have good visual acuity and a low rate for visual impairment. In addition, modern treatment with DMARDs and bDMARDs seems to save vision.