Originally described by Henry Eales in the 1800’s, this disease has since been absent in the developed countries but has persisted in mostly the Indian subcontinent and parts of Asia.  It is described by bouts of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage among young, healthy individuals.  Patients complain of floaters, cobwebs, cloudy or reduced vision which resolve only to recur at another time.  Vision deteriorates with repeated episodes.

The root cause of this disorder has not yet been fully established although its association with tuberculosis and tuberculin hypersensitivity has been documented.

Visual recovery will depend on early and prompt treatment.  Treatment modalities include anti-inflammatory (steroid) treatment, laser or vitrectomy surgery depending on the particular problem presenting at the time of visit.

References:

Eales Disease - an update. Surv Ophthalmol. 2002 May-Jun;47(3):197-214. Review. PMID: 12052408

Eales' Disease. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1994 Mar;42(1):3-18. Review. PMID: 7927628