Comparative study of laser flare photometry versus slit-lamp cell measurement in pediatric chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of laser flare photometry (LFP) for monitoring the course of intraocular inflammation in children with chronic anterior uveitis. METHODS: Seventy-six eyes of 43 children with non-infectious chronic anterior uveitis were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 48.6 ± 23.1 months. Patients on immunosuppressive treatment at last follow-up, showed significantly higher flare values than patients who discontinued treatment (20.47 ± 15.49 vs. 6.33 ± 4.87 p < 0.001). The higher LFP values were correlated with the duration of immunosuppressive treatment, total duration of topical corticosteroid use and the risk for development of ocular complications at all follow-ups (all p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between the AC cell grades and the duration of immunosuppressive treatment, topical corticosteroid use and the prevalence of complications. CONCLUSION: LFP measurements have a predictive value of monitoring the course of uveitis and the occurrence of ocular complications, and it should be considered as a primary modality to monitor intraocular inflammation in children with chronic anterior uveitis.