Transferred ophthalmia, also known as sympathetic ophthalmia or sympathetic uveitis, is a rare but serious condition that affects the eyes. It occurs as a result of an injury or surgery to one eye, which then triggers an inflammatory response in the other eye. This condition is considered "transferred" because the inflammation spreads from one eye to the other.
The process behind transferred ophthalmia involves the release of antigens from the first injured eye, which cause an autoimmune reaction in the immune system. These antigens travel through the bloodstream to the other eye, leading to an immune response and subsequent inflammation. The inflammation primarily affects the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that contains blood vessels, causing symptoms such as pain, redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and reduced visual acuity.
If left untreated, transferred ophthalmia can lead to severe damage and vision loss in both eyes. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The typical treatment approach involves the use of immunosuppressive medications to control the inflammatory response and preserve vision. However, managing the condition can be challenging, and long-term follow-up with an ophthalmologist is necessary to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust the treatment as needed.
In summary, transferred ophthalmia refers to a condition in which an injury or surgery to one eye triggers an autoimmune response that leads to inflammation in the other eye, potentially causing vision loss if left untreated.
