The effect of the dead sea environment on uveitis

Background: Uveitis is an acute or chronic inflammatory process of the uvea caused by a number of etiologies. In many patients the etiology is unknown. Objective: To investigate the effect of the Dead Sea environment (climatotherapy) on the signs, symptoms and clinical course of chronic uveitis. Methods: Fifty-five patients with chronic uveitis were examined at the beginning and end of a 3-4 week stay at the Dead Sea region and on repeat visits to the region. Study data included demographic information, medical history, etiology, diagnosis, medication, and a complete ophthalmic examination. Results: Statistically significant improvements were seen between the two examinations within each visit in four parameters (negative values indicate improvement): a) visual acuity for near and far: Jaeger (-0.98 ± 0.18 P ≤ 0.001) and best corrected visual acuity (-0.22 ± 0.04. P ≤ 0.0001); b) anterior chamber flare (-0.18 ± 0.06, P ≤ 0.01): c) anterior chamber cells (-0.12 ± 0.03, P ≤ 0.0001); and d) vitreous cells (-0.17 ± 0.05, P ≤ 0.001). There was a significant mean improvement during visits to the Dead Sea area and a slight dissipation of the effect during the intervals between visits. Sixty-four percent of the patients reported that they required less medication and had fewer and milder attacks of uveitis following the visits. Conclusions: The results of this study provide evidence of short- and possibly long-term improvement in the signs and symptoms of uveitis following exposure to the Dead Sea environment.