Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a rare autoimmune condition primarily affecting pigmented tissues, including the eyes, inner ear, skin, and meninges. It is characterized by bilateral granulomatous uveitis, which involves inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye). Clinically, VKH disease manifests in phases: prodromal (flu-like symptoms), uveitic (blurred vision, eye pain), convalescent (gradual improvement), and chronic/recurrent (possible vision impairment). Ophthalmic signs include exudative retinal detachments, disc swelling, and diffuse choroiditis. The exact cause remains unclear, but it's believed to involve genetic predisposition triggered by viral infections or other environmental factors. Treatment typically involves high-dose corticosteroids to suppress inflammation, often supplemented with immunosuppressive agents like methotrexate or cyclosporine in severe cases. Early intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss and manage systemic manifestations of the disease effectively.