What is the prevalence of Eales Disease?

Eales disease is a rare idiopathic inflammatory venous occlusion of the retina, with an estimated prevalence that remains difficult to quantify globally due to its localized clinical concentration. While it is not considered ultra-rare in specific regions, the true global prevalence of Eales disease is unknown, as many cases are likely underdiagnosed or misclassified as other retinal vasculitides.

What is the demographic profile of Eales disease?

Eales disease primarily affects young to middle-aged adults, typically between the ages of 20 and 40. While pediatric cases are documented, they are less common. Clinical studies consistently show a significant gender disparity, with Eales disease occurring predominantly in males, often at a ratio of approximately 9:1 compared to females, though the exact biological mechanism for this skew remains under investigation.

Are there geographic or ethnic variations in Eales disease?

Historically, Eales disease has been most frequently reported in the Indian subcontinent, though it has been identified in populations worldwide. Because it is often associated with a history of tuberculosis exposure, researchers suggest that geographic variations in Eales disease may mirror the regional prevalence of latent or active tuberculosis, acting as a hypersensitivity response rather than a direct infection of the ocular tissue.

Why is accurate prevalence data for Eales disease challenging?

Determining the exact number of people living with Eales disease is difficult for several reasons:

• Underdiagnosis: Peripheral retinal changes in early-stage Eales disease can be asymptomatic and go unnoticed until significant vision loss occurs.


• Diagnostic Overlap: The condition is often misdiagnosed as other forms of uveitis or retinal vasculitis.


• Reporting Bias: Much of the existing literature on Eales disease originates from tertiary referral centers in specific countries, which may not accurately reflect global incidence.

At DiseaseMaps.org, we have seen 23 individuals join our community to share their experiences with Eales disease, providing a vital real-world perspective that complements clinical data by highlighting the patient journey and the diagnostic hurdles faced by those living with this condition.

Next steps

• Consult a retina specialist or ophthalmologist if you experience sudden floaters or blurred vision.


• Maintain regular follow-ups to monitor retinal vascular changes.


• Join the DiseaseMaps.org community to connect with others currently managing Eales disease.


• Discuss with your physician if screening for systemic inflammatory or infectious conditions is appropriate for your case.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician with any questions regarding a medical condition.

References

• NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Eales disease overview.


• Orphanet: Rare eye diseases database.


• PubMed/NCBI: Epidemiological studies on idiopathic retinal vasculitis and Eales disease.