Pars planitis, also known as intermediate uveitis, is an inflammation of the eye. While treatment exists to correct the condition, severe side affects can occur if the condition is ignored. Untreated, some experts believe about one in five patients will suffer serious vision loss or even blindness.
The human eye is comprised of several layers, each with a distinct function. The middle section, or uvea, supplies blood to the retina and is composed of the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid. Within the ciliary body is the pars plana, which contributes to eye function by making and distributing the liquid needed for the eye to function correctly. Pars planitis is an infection of the pars plana, characterized by excess white blood cells clouding the vision because of the inflammation.
The cause of pars planitis is not entirely known, though it can occur as a symptom of a system-wide disease such as multiple sclerosis. The condition can develop both in adults and in children, and may occur in one or both eyes. Symptoms of pars planitis include clouding, also called snowbanking, of the middle chamber of the eye. Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may be required to clear the eye of the white blood cells causing the cloudy appearance, as dissipation is a long process even with treatment.
Treatment for pars planitis typically involves the use of immunosuppressant drugs. These medications are often administered as injections, as eye drops cannot reach the inner layers of the eye where the infection is occurring. Immunosuppressants stop the body's immune reaction to a perceived threat, preventing any more inflammation from occurring in the eye. If the clouding of the eye is relatively minor, a course of injections may be the only treatment required to eliminate the condition.
If the condition does not subside after the first few injections, doctors still have several options for treating pars planitis patients. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to fully remove the infection and resulting white blood cell clouding. Unfortunately, though treatment is highly effective in eliminating the condition, patients who have pars planitis without an associated systemic illness can suffer recurring infections, although there is some evidence that surgery makes recurrence less likely.
Though treatable, pars planitis is an extremely serious condition. Anyone experiencing vision loss or seeing streaks or spots in their eyes should seek treatment at once. Like most medical problems, pars planitis is more easily treatable if caught early, and patients may be able to avoid surgery through prompt medical care.
