Pars planitis is inflammation of the eye’s pars plana, which can cause clouding and vision loss. It can be a symptom of a systemic disease and is treated with immunosuppressive drugs or surgery. Prompt treatment is important to avoid serious side effects.
Pars planitis, also known as intermediate uveitis, is inflammation of the eye. While there is treatment to correct the condition, serious side effects can occur if the condition is ignored. Left untreated, some experts believe that about one in five patients will experience severe vision loss or even blindness.
The human eye is made up of several layers, each with a distinct function. The central section, or uvea, supplies blood to the retina and is made up of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Within the ciliary body is the pars plana, which contributes to ocular function by producing and distributing the fluid necessary for the eye to function properly. Pars planitis is an infection of the pars plana, characterized by an excess of white blood cells that blur vision due to inflammation.
The cause of pars planitis is not fully understood, although it can occur as a symptom of a system-wide disease such as multiple sclerosis. The condition can develop in both adults and children and can occur in one or both eyes. Symptoms of pars planitis include clouding, also called snowbanking, of the central chamber of the eye. Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may be needed to rid the eye of the white blood cells causing the cloudy appearance, as dissipation is a lengthy process even with treatment.
Treatment for pars planitis typically involves the use of immunosuppressive drugs. These drugs are often given as injections, as the eye drops cannot reach the inner layers of the eye where the infection occurs. Immunosuppressants block the body’s immune reaction to a perceived threat, preventing further inflammation in the eye from occurring. If the opacity of the eye is relatively minor, a course of injections may be the only treatment needed to clear the condition.
If the condition doesn’t ease after the first few injections, doctors still have several options for treating pars planitis patients. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to completely remove the infection and resulting cloudiness of the white blood cells. Unfortunately, although treatment is highly effective at clearing the condition, patients who have pars planitis without associated systemic disease may suffer from recurring infections, although there is some evidence that surgery makes recurrence less likely.
Although treatable, pars planitis is an extremely serious condition. Anyone experiencing vision loss or seeing streaks or spots in their eyes should seek treatment immediately. Like most medical problems, pars planitis is more easily treated when caught early, and patients may be able to avoid surgery through prompt medical attention.
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