Ocular Involvement in Behcet's Disease

Abstract

Uveitis secondary to systemic diseases and in particular to Behcet's disease is frequent in Turkey. Eye involvement is not confined to the uvea; it also involves the optic nerve and the retina due to the participation of the retinal vascular system. The clinical course is characterized by activations and remissions. Severity of eye involvement is heterogeneous among patients. The analysis of the frequency and severity of activations along with detection of sequel formation has prognostic significance. There is no specific medication for treatment of Behcet's disease. Local and systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressives and immunomodulators are used and their side effects are monitored. Treatment end points are to decrease the frequency and severity of attacks and the prevention of sequelae. (Turkderm 2009; 43 Suppl 2: 48-53)