Orthoptics and Uveitis: Where the Twains Meet

Abstract

While ocular inflammatory disease seldom significantly impacts the field of Orthoptics, careful analysis of patients with inflammatory problems covers several areas where inflammation results in problems likely to be seen by the orthoptist. Dividing the uveal tract into its anatomic segments, anterior, intermediate and posterior, each segment has representative problems which can be identified. The anterior segment is most likely to affect the patient because of the use of chronic atropinization and its amblyogenic potential. Additionally, anterior segment ischemia will also be seen by the orthoptist who should be alert to some of the signs in the immediate post-operative period. The intermediate segment can cause significant loss of accommodation. Central macular inflammatory lesions in the posterior segment are frequently the cause of sensory exotropia or esotropia. Examples of each of these entities will be presented.

• uveitis
• orthoptics
• strabismus
• children