Eales disease

Eales disease is a rare eye condition that mainly affects the blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It was first described by British ophthalmologist Henry Eales in the 1880s. The disease causes inflammation of the retinal blood vessels (a process called retinal vasculitis), which can lead to abnormal new blood vessel growth, bleeding inside the eye, and in serious cases, vision loss. It is sometimes called idiopathic retinal vasculitis or peripheral retinal periphlebitis, because the inflammation tends to start in the outer (peripheral) parts of the retina. The disease usually progresses in stages. Early on, the blood vessels become inflamed and may leak fluid. Later, the body tries to grow new blood vessels to compensate, but these new vessels are fragile and prone to bleeding into the gel-like fluid inside the eye (called the vitreous). This bleeding — known as vitreous hemorrhage — is often what causes sudden, noticeable vision problems. Scar tissue can also form, which may pull on the retina and cause it to detach. The most common symptoms include blurry vision, floaters (dark spots or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision), sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, and redness or discomfort in the eye. Both eyes are affected in many patients, though often at different times. Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation, sealing leaking blood vessels with laser therapy, and in advanced cases, surgery to remove blood from the eye. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many people can preserve useful vision.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.Do I need to be tested for tuberculosis, and could treating it help my eye disease?,How often do I need eye check-ups, and what signs should make me come in urgently?,Is laser treatment recommended for me now, or should we wait and monitor?,What are the risks of vision loss in my other eye, and how can we protect it?,Are there any lifestyle changes or activities I should avoid to protect my vision?,What are the side effects of the medications you are recommending, and how long will I need to take them?,Should I see a specialist in uveitis or retinal disease, and is there a center with experience in Eales disease?

Common questions about Eales disease