Longitudinal Comparative Analysis of Semi-Automated Aqueous Flare Measurements with Clinical Grading and Visual Outcomes in Uveitic Eyes

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2023 Nov;31(9):1819-1824. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2123365. Epub 2022 Sep 28.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between longitudinal changes in aqueous flare measured by laser flare photometer (LFP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and clinical grade using both Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) and modified SUN (MSUN) scales uveitis patients.

Methods: Patients were classified according to both SUN and MSUN grading scales. LFP measurements were acquired (Kowa FM-700) at each visit. Mean change in LFP was assessed longitudinally, comparing with those in visual acuity, SUN, and MSUN grading scales.

Results: Mean change in LFP was correlated to those in BCVA (p = .018), SUN scale (p < .001), and MSUN scale (p = .008). Cases within same initial SUN (0 and 1+) and MSUN (0.5+ and 1+) grades and different longitudinal flare prognosis (decreased/unchanged/increased) had significantly different initial LFP values (all p < .05).

Conclusions: LFP measurement is beneficial in monitoring inflammatory activity. Cases of identical clinical flare scores with different clinical prognosis may be predicted by LFP.

Keywords: Clinical flare grading; laser flare meter; longitudinal analysis; standardization of uveitis nomenclature; uveitis.

MeSH terms

  • Aqueous Humor
  • Humans
  • Lasers
  • Photometry
  • Uveitis* / diagnosis
  • Uveitis, Anterior*