Eale’s disease is characterized by –
**Core Concept**
Eale's disease is a rare, idiopathic inflammatory disorder that affects the retinal vessels, particularly the retinal veins and arteries. It is characterized by recurrent, painless vitreous hemorrhages, retinal vascular occlusions, and retinal neovascularization.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Eale's disease is thought to result from a combination of factors, including autoimmune responses, inflammation, and retinal ischemia. The exact pathogenesis is still unclear, but it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response to retinal antigens, leading to inflammation and damage to the retinal vessels. This results in the characteristic symptoms of recurrent vitreous hemorrhages, retinal vascular occlusions, and retinal neovascularization.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Eale's disease primarily affects the retinal vessels, particularly the veins and arteries, rather than the choroid.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because Eale's disease is not typically associated with uveitis, which is an inflammatory condition affecting the uvea.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because Eale's disease is not a type of diabetic retinopathy, although both conditions can cause retinal vascular damage.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Eale's disease is often associated with a good prognosis if treated promptly with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents. However, if left untreated, it can lead to severe visual impairment and blindness.
**Correct Answer: C. Recurrent, painless vitreous hemorrhages, retinal vascular occlusions, and retinal neovascularization.**