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

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