Thesis abstract:

«p»Inflammatory ophthalmological presentations resulting in inflammation of the middle layer of the eye or uvea (uveitis), and structures surrounding the optic nerve (optic perineuritis) are leading causes of visual loss or blindness globally.«/p» «p»These presentations can be due to immune mediated, infectious, or genetic causes. Early identification of the aetiology is critical as treatment differs depending on the cause, and appropriate and expedited treatment may reverse blindness.«/p» «p»Patients with undifferentiated uveitis, or optic perineuritis without a clear aetiology are not able to be directed down appropriate therapeutic pathways, and risk permanent visual loss. I will recruit patients from Sydney Eye Hospital, the Save Sight Institute, and Westmead Hospital, who present with uveitis and optic perineuritis, and perform detailed clinical phenotyping and blood collection for a number of serological investigations.«/p» «p» «/p» «p»I will identify clinical, immunological, and genetic profiles which are most consistent with an immune-mediated cause. This profile will help delineate a subset of patients who present with visual loss who may be directed down a treatment pathway of immunotherapy that can reverse visual loss.«/p» «p»The results of this study will improve diagnostic and therapeutic pathways in inflammatory ophthalmological disorders, and improve outcomes in patients who risk blindness.«/p»