Frequency of Elevated Intraocular Pressure in Patients with Acute and Chronic Anterior Uveitis

Abstract

Background: Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a frequent and serious complication in patients with uveitis, potentially leading to secondary glaucoma and permanent vision loss. Understanding the frequency and associated risk factors of elevated IOP in patients with acute and chronic anterior uveitis is essential for effective management and prevention of visual morbidity.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of elevated IOP in patients with acute and chronic anterior uveitis and to identify the associated demographic and clinical factors.

Methods: This This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the Outpatient Department of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, involving 160 patients aged 20 to 60 years diagnosed with anterior uveitis. Patients were excluded if they were on anti-glaucoma medications, had specific ocular conditions, or had a pre-existing diagnosis of glaucoma or elevated IOP. Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldmann Applanation Tonometry, with elevated IOP defined as >21 mmHg. Demographic data and clinical history, including the duration and grade of uveitis, were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with qualitative variables presented as frequencies and percentages, and statistical significance assessed using chi-square tests (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: The mean age of the study participants was 33.19 years (SD ± 7.26). Elevated IOP was observed in 38.75% of the patients. A significantly higher frequency of elevated IOP was found in females (61.7% vs. 25% in males, p = 0.000), patients over 30 years of age (46.4% vs. 30.3%, p = 0.026), and those with hypertension (69.8% vs. 23.4% in non-hypertensive patients, p = 0.000). Grade I uveitis had the highest frequency of elevated IOP (100%), followed by grade III (42.9%), grade IV (4.1%), and grade II (0%) (p = 0.000). No significant association was found between elevated IOP and diabetes mellitus or the duration of uveitis.

Conclusion: The study found a substantial frequency of elevated IOP in patients with anterior uveitis, particularly among females, older patients, and those with hypertension. These findings highlight the need for regular IOP monitoring and tailored management strategies in high-risk patients to prevent the development of secondary glaucoma and associated vision loss.