What is VKH eye disease?

Posted on by Dominique Stacey

What is VKH eye disease?

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is a rare disorder of unknown origin that affects many body systems, including as the eyes, ears, skin, and the covering of the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). The most noticeable symptom is a rapid loss of vision.

Is VKH curable?

The key to successful therapy for Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is early and aggressive treatment with systemic corticosteroids. Those patients who are treated later in the course of the disorder have a more guarded prognosis for recovery of visual acuity and probably have a greater risk for chronic inflammation.

How do you test for VKH?

The following testing modalities are utilized to assist in the diagnosis and to follow the response to treatment.

  1. Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
  2. Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG)
  3. Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF)
  4. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
  5. Ultrasonography.
  6. Electroretinography.
  7. Laboratory Tests.

What is Vogt Koyanagi syndrome bilateral?

The Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH) is a bilateral, diffuse granulomatous uveitis associated with poliosis, vitiligo, alopecia, and central nervous system and auditory signs. These manifestations are variable and race dependent.

Is VKH serious?

“VKH is usually severe panuveitis with an acute onset,” said Janet L. Davis, MD, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. The disease “affects both eyes and can be seen in any age group.” Patients often present with exudative retinal detachments.

What triggers VKH?

The exact cause of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is not known. It is thought to be due to an abnormal immune response in which the body attacks its own pigment cells (melanocytes). In addition, genetic factors may play a role.

What triggers Vkh?

Is Vkh autoimmune?

Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease (VKH) is a multisystem disease of presumed autoimmune cause that affects pigmented tissues, which have melanin. The most significant manifestation is bilateral, diffuse uveitis, which affects the eyes.

Is VKH autoimmune?