To analyse the etiology, localisation of inflammation, frequency of recurrences and the visual function in the course of uveitis in children.
Sixteen children aged 4-18 years with uveitis were analysed for 2 to 15 years (mean 6.3 years) from the occurrence of the first symptoms. The ophthalmological examination, laboratory investigations, pediatric, stomatology and laryngology consultations were performed in all children. The medical topical and general treatment in all patients was applied.
The certain etiological factors were found in 9 patients, the probable ones in 2 children and in 5 cases the cause of the illness was not established. Clinical inflammation was located in different parts of uvea, in 10 children it appeared in one eye and in 6 children in both. The course of illness showed a recurrent character (from 1 to 8 recurrences) in most children. We have established three seasonal occurrences of the disease, mainly in spring and autumn, less at the beginning of summer. After treatment the visual acuity improved in 17 eyes (77.3%), in 3 eyes (13.6%) it did not change and in 2 eyes (9.1%) got worse.
The chronic, recurrent uveitis in children has a seasonal character (three times a year). The rheumatic disease is the main cause of multiple recurrences of uveitis in children. The early diagnosis of illness and careful medical supervision until the children are 16-18 years old may improve the final results of treatment.