What is the Difference Between Granulomatous and Nongranulomatous Uveitis?

Granulomatous and nongranulomatous uveitis are two distinct types of uveitis, which is an inflammation of the uveal tract in the eye. The main differences between these two types of uveitis are their symptoms, causes, and recovery rates.

Granulomatous Uveitis:

• Characterized by blurred vision, mild pain, eye tearing, and mild sensitivity to light.
• Inflammation is due to the formation of granulomas, which can be caused by infectious or non-infectious factors.
• Common infectious causes include tuberculosis, syphilis, herpes viruses, cytomegalovirus, and Lyme disease.
• Granulomatous uveitis may be associated with systemic diseases, such as sarcoidosis and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

Nongranulomatous Uveitis:

• Characterized by acute onset, pain, and intense sensitivity to light.
• Inflammation is not due to the formation of granulomas.
• Common causes include autoimmune processes and certain infectious diseases.
• Nongranulomatous uveitis has a better recovery rate than granulomatous uveitis.

Both types of uveitis can involve any part of the uveal tract and may be associated with systemic diseases, including debilitating and life-threatening conditions. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage these conditions effectively.

Comparative Table: Granulomatous vs Nongranulomatous Uveitis

Here is a table comparing granulomatous and nongranulomatous uveitis:

Granulomatous uveitis is characterized by blurred vision, mild pain, eye tearing, and mild sensitivity to light, while nongranulomatous uveitis is characterized by acute onset, pain, and intense sensitivity to light. Granulomatous uveitis typically has larger, better individualized keratic precipitates (KPs) compared to the smaller, dusty KPs of non-granulomatous uveitis. Common causes of granulomatous uveitis include sarcoidosis and systemic infections such as tuberculosis, syphilis, Lyme disease, or chronic herpetic infection, while non-granulomatous uveitis is often caused by local inflammation due to eye trauma, infection, or other causes. Granulomatous uveitis represents a chronic inflammatory response, whereas non-granulomatous uveitis may represent acute or chronic inflammation.