Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH)

What happens in this disease?

The cause is not fully known. It is thought that the immune system mistakenly attacks the color-giving cells. The eyes, the inner ear, the skin and the linings around the brain are affected. Inflammation occurs in the eye; this is called uveitis. The disease usually begins between the ages of 30 and 40.

Which symptoms can occur?

The disease first begins with symptoms such as headache, then the eye signs follow.

• Headache, eye pain, dizziness and nausea (at the start)
• Blurred vision and vision loss, usually in both eyes (common)
• Detachment of the retina
• Hearing loss and ringing in the ears
• Stiff neck
• White patches on the skin, hair loss, whitening of the eyelashes and eyebrows (in later stages)
• Cataract or raised eye pressure (sometimes)

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis is usually made by an eye doctor. There must be inflammation in both eyes and no other eye disease or eye injury. The blood vessels in the eye are examined with dye imaging and ultrasound. If needed, fluid is taken from the lower back to examine the linings of the brain.

Treatment and care

Treatment aims to suppress the inflammation quickly. First, high-dose cortisone medicines are given. After that, medicines that suppress the immune system are usually added. Early and adequate treatment is important. With treatment, vision and hearing usually improve. Cataract and raised eye pressure are followed up separately. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

This disease is not an inherited disease passed directly from parents to children. Some people may have a genetic tendency. However, other factors are also needed for the disease to appear. Rare families have been reported in which it was seen in brothers and sisters or in twins. You can ask your doctor about anything on your mind.