What are other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Eales Retinopathy
• Idiopathic Peripheral Periphlebitis

What is Eales Disease? (Definition/Background Information)

• Eales Disease is a rare disorder affecting one’s vision that is more commonly seen among young adults. It is characterized by inflammation and white cloudiness around the periphery of the retinal veins in the eye
• Both eyes are usually affected. The vision becomes blurred due to the oozing out of clear material that fills the eyeball behind the lens, a condition termed vitreous hemorrhaging
• The exact cause of Eales Disease is presently unknown, although some cases have been related to tuberculosis or hypersensitivity to tuberculoprotein (a protein found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
• The initial signs and symptoms of Eales Disease consist of blurring of the eye due to vitreous hemorrhaging as well as covering or dilation of veins in the outer part of the eye
• Since it is generally difficult to detect the condition, a diagnosis of Eales Disease is one of exclusion in which other potential eye conditions are ruled out by the healthcare provider before arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• Early forms of Eales Disease can be treated with corticosteroids and antioxidant vitamins, while more severe cases may require procedures involving lasers. In most cases, only mild complications are noted, and blurred vision returns to normal after treatment

Who Gets Eales Disease? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals of any gender, age, race, ethnicity, or geographical background can be affected by Eales Disease
• The most common age for the onset of Eales Disease is between 20 and 35 years
• Young adult males have been observed to have a slightly higher prevalence for the disease than females of the same age group
• Eales Disease is most prevalent in India and the Middle East, but is known to occur worldwide

What are the Risk Factors for Eales Disease? (Predisposing Factors)

There are no definitive risk factors currently identified for Eales Disease.

• The disease has been related to tuberculosis and hypersensitivity to the tubercular protein
• In very rare cases, it has been linked to central nervous system traumas, such as stroke, demyelination, and intranuclear ophthalmoplegia, as well as abnormal structure of red blood cells

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Eales Disease? (Etiology)

Presently, there are no well-established causes for Eales Disease, and it is still considered to be idiopathic (i.e., a disease or condition that arises spontaneously with no known causes).

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Eales Disease?

The signs and symptoms of Eales Disease may include:

• The disease usually begins with blurred vision due to oozing of the clear gel material from behind the lens of the eye
• During the early stages, the outer veins of the retina begin to be covered with exudate (white blood cells) or dilated
• As the disease progresses, the inflammation of retinal veins spreads further, to behind the lens
• Eales Disease can also cause the formation of new blood vessels on the outer part of the retina

Advanced cases of Eales Disease may present signs and symptoms that include:

• Non-inflammatory degeneration of the retina associated with bleeding of the retina
• Oozing of the clear jelly that fills the eye from the retina
• Detachment of the retina
• A reddish discoloration of the iris
• Damage to the optic disc and loss of vision

How is Eales Disease Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Eales Disease is usually difficult and challenging. It is typically diagnosed clinically by excluding other systemic or ocular conditions that present similarities to Eales Disease.

• Complete physical examination (including eye examination) and a careful evaluation of the individual’s medical history
• Recurrent vitreous hemorrhages or oozing of the clear jelly from behind the lens is a hallmark feature in the diagnosis of Eales Disease
• Ultrasonography is useful for detecting retinal detachment during later stages of the disease

Many clinical conditions can have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Eales Disease?

Complications from Eales Disease can occur as a direct result of the condition or from treatment, and these may include:

• Creation of new blood vessels in the eye
• Hemorrhaging or leaking of clear fluids from behind the lens, retina, or other parts of the eye
• Retinal detachment
• Development of a thin membrane over the retina that may impair vision
• Glaucoma and cataracts

How is Eales Disease Treated?

Treatment for Eales Disease generally incorporates methods to diminish the effects of the signs and symptoms, and such measures may include:

• Corticosteroids during the inflammation phase
• Recommended increase in antioxidant vitamins such as A, C, and E
• Coagulating tissue with a laser to eliminate the deficiency of blood in the retina and to slow down the formation of blood vessels
• Removal of the dark pigmented disk and clear gel-like substance behind the retina

It is possible for some symptoms of Eales Disease to be recurrent; medical attention should be sought when these appear in order to avoid complications.

How can Eales Disease be Prevented?

There are currently no preventative measures available for Eales Disease due to its spontaneous and idiopathic nature of origin. Avoiding the risk factors, where possible, may help in minimizing one’s risk for the condition.

What is the Prognosis of Eales Disease? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Eales Disease is generally good as long as appropriate treatment is received early on.

• Typically, vision loss is very rare, and the majority of patient’s vision returns to 20/40 or better
• The major reason for visual loss in individuals with Eales Disease is recurrent hemorrhages. Other complications, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma, could also lead to significant vision loss
• No mortality is known to occur in those with Eales Disease

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Eales Disease:

Please visit our Eye & Vision Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/vision-center/