StemCell Therapy

GETTY

Uveitis - a condition causing inflammation in the middle layer of the eye - is most common in those aged 20 to 59, and affects two to five people in every 10,000 in the UK each year.

If left untreated, the inflammation can cause blindness, and according to Prevent Blindness its one of the leading causes of loss of sight in the world in those of working age.

Many cases are linked to problems with the immune system, including arthritis.

One type, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), was the subject of a breakthrough study which discovered a new way to prevent children with arthritis and eye disease losing their sight.

GETTY

The results of the trial revealed how the drug could reduce eye inflammation and stop serious complications, including blindness.

The results of the trial - the first of its kind in the world, and funded by Arthritis Research UK and the National Institute for Health Research - revealed how a drug called Adalimumab, in combination with Methotrexate, could reduce eye inflammation and stop serious complications, including blindness.

In fact, the findings, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, were so ground-breaking the trial was stopped early due to convincing evidence.

It has already led to changes in guidelines, and the drug has since been approved by NHS England for use, set to help thousands of people.

Professor Ramanan from University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol said: Uveitis in children is an important cause of loss of vision. This study demonstrates the benefit of Adalimumab in children with uveitis. This is the first randomised trial of its kind worldwide and the results will have a major impact in children with uveitis all around the world."

GETTY

1 of 9

The study authors found 75 per cent of children with JIA-associated uveitis who were treated with Adalimumab experienced a significant reduction in eye inflammation.

Stephen Simpson, director of research and programmes at Arthritis Research UK said: We are thrilled of the outcome of this trial and the huge promise it heralds for transforming the quality of life for the large numbers of children with JIA-associated uveitis. This trial is an impressive example of how investing in exceptional science can ultimately help change how treatment is delivered with direct and immediate benefit for patients.

In those of any age with arthritis, the condition can affect one or both eyes and may develop suddenly, or gradually over a few days.

According to the NHS, symptoms include eye pain, eye redness, sensitivity to light, blurred or cloudy vision and loss of peripheral vision.

GETTY

Uveitis may not also affect the whole eye - just part.

It can be at the front of the eye, middle of the eye and back of the eye, and the symptoms may vary for each.

Currently the main way to treat uveitis is using steroid medication. Eye drops are used if the front of the eye is affected, while injections, tablets and capsules are used to treat it at the middle and back.

While uveitis can affect anyone, a study this month published in JAMA Ophthalmology found those with psoriasis are at an increased risk of developing it.

See original here:
Arthritis news: Condition can cause BLINDNESS in sufferers - Express.co.uk

This entry was posted on April 27, 2017 at 10:41 am and is filed under Arthritis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |