Acute uveitis caused by abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism: a case report

This report describes a rare case of acute uveitis with severe anterior chamber inflammation due to abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism.

A 31-year-old male patient complained of redness in the right eye with decreased visual acuity for 3 days. Ocular examination revealed a milky white clouding of the right anterior chamber of the eye. Two clusters of yellowish-white exudates were visible on the surface of the iris in the upper nasal and temporal areas in addition to elevated intraocular pressure. He had a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Laboratory tests suggested hyperlipidemia and ketoacidosis. After admission, topical glucocorticoids, mydriasis, and intraocular pressure-lowering drugs combined with hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering therapy and fluid replacement therapy were given immediately. After 10 days of treatment, the uveitis and systemic condition of the right eye were effectively controlled and improved.

Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism leads to impairment of the blood-aqueous barrier, which causes a severe uveitis response in the anterior chamber. After the use of topical steroids and mydriatic eye drops combined with systemic hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering interventions, the condition was significantly relieved.