Profile of Uveitis in Van and Surrounding Provinces (Agn, Mus, Hakkari, Igdir, Bitlis)

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was, by analyzing data from uveitis patients living in Van province or referred from the surrounding provinces (i.e. Agri, Mus, Hakkari, Igdir and Bitlis), to reveal the profile of uveitis in that district. Material and Method: In this study, we retrospectively investigated 855 eyes of 678 uveitis patients who were examined and followed in Yuzuncu Yil University, Ophthalmology Department between 1996 and 2008. Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.86 +/- 16.01 (range 1-79) years. 403 (59.4%) were male and 275 (40.6%) patients were female. Monocular involvement was present in 501 (73.9%), while binocular involvement was observed in 177 (26.1%) patients. According to the involved area, 395 (58.3%) patients had anterior, 85 (12.5%) intermediate, 33 (4.9%) posterior and 165 (24.3%) patients had panuveitis. No accompanying findings were detected in 406 (59.9%) patients. The most frequent accompanying disease was Behcet's disease seen in 109 (16.1%) patients. Discussion: In this study, the profile of uveitis of Van and the surrounding provinces was revealed. We think that this study is important, because it reflects the profile of uveitis of the Eastern part and together with data obtained from the other parts of Turkey, it will contribute to the development of uveitis map of the country.