Issue 8/2025
Mitkova-Hristova, V.
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Plovdiv; University Eye Clinic, University Hospital „St. George“ – Plovdiv
Uveitis in childhood is a rare disease with a chronic-relapsing course and prolonged duration. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the leading causes of pediatric uveitis in Europe and the USA. Children with oligoarticular arthritis are at the highest risk for developing intraocular inflammation, with 50-80% of cases occurring in girls, where the uveitis typically has an early onset. The most characteristic ophthalmological finding in JIA is chronic non-granulomatous anterior uveitis, which often remains asymptomatic in the early stages of the disease. Timely diagnosis of uveitis provides a better chance of controlling the disease before complications develop. Close cooperation between ophthalmologists and pediatric rheumatologists is essential to prevent vision-threatening complications such as band keratopathy, cataracts, secondary glaucoma, and others. Treatment of the disease requires a prolonged and multidisciplinary approach. The goal of therapy is to control and eliminate inflammatory activity in both eyes and to achieve long-term remission.
Address for correspondence:
Dr. V. Mitkova-Hristova, MD
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine,
Medical University – Plovdiv
15A, V. Aprilov, Blvd.
e-mail: vesela_mitkova@abv.bg