[Uveitis. A status assessment].

Uveitis comprises a very diverse group of entities in which oxogen or endogen-derived inflammation of the uvea and retina may lead to significant visual loss and other ocular morbidity. The uniform classification of uveitis established by the International Uveitis Study Group and the definition of new entities such as acute retinal necrosis syndrome or birdshot retinochoroidopathy have led to better differential diagnosis in inflammatory uveal disease. Comparative studies carried out in many uveitis centers over the last 10 years have revealed a shift in the distribution of certain uveitis entities. New diagnostic approaches due to advances in basic immunology and detailed analysis of animal models have made a significant contribution to our ability to understand and treat ocular immune disease. Future research will be directed towards more specific treatment for uveitis based on increasing knowledge of the molecular basis for the immune response. Newly derived drugs (e.g., cyclosporin A, ganciclovir) and developed microsurgical techniques have been of benefit in the therapy of formerly intractable cases of severe uveitis.