Pediatric Eales Disease: An Indian Tertiary Eye Center Experience.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical profiles, etiologies, treatment modalities, and outcomes for Eales disease in patients younger than age 16 years in India.

METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of patients with Eales disease who had a minimum 5-year follow-up period.

RESULTS: A total of 25 eyes of 13 patients were included. Of these 13 patients, 12 (94%) had bilateral Eales disease and 11 (84.6%) were men. Mean patient age was 14.1 years (range: 11 to 16 years). Diminution of vision (36%) was the most common presenting complaint, followed by both diminutions of vision and floaters (32%). Sclerosed vessels were seen in all eyes, and 21 (84%) eyes had active periphlebitis at presentation. Neovascularization elsewhere was seen in 20 (80%) eyes and neovascularization of the optic disc was seen in 1 (4%) eye. Veno-venous shunts were found in 12 (48%) eyes, and 18 (72%) eyes had vitreous hemorrhage. All eyes received photocoagulation; 84.6% of patients received oral steroids, with 7.7% of patients treated with azathioprine and 38.4% treated with anti-tubercular therapy. Vitrectomy was performed in 36% of eyes for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. Vision improved in 7 (28%) eyes, was stable in 12 (48%) eyes, and worsened in 6 (24%) eyes. Recurrence of the disease more than five times during the 5-year follow-up period occurred in 20% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent vasculitis and vitreous hemorrhage in children should raise the suspicion of pediatric Eales disease. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(4):270-274.].