Treatment of choice for eales disease is
**Core Concept**
Eales disease is a rare, idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the retinal and choroidal vasculature. It is characterized by retinal vasculitis, occlusion of retinal vessels, and secondary retinal ischemia, leading to retinal neovascularization and potential complications such as vitreous hemorrhage.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The treatment of choice for Eales disease is corticosteroids, particularly systemic corticosteroids. This is because the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying Eales disease is inflammation of the retinal and choroidal vasculature, which corticosteroids effectively suppress. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, prevent further vascular occlusion, and promote healing of the affected retinal tissue.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are not the primary treatment for Eales disease, although they may be used in specific cases to manage secondary complications such as neovascular glaucoma.
**Option B:** Immunomodulatory agents such as cyclophosphamide may be used in some cases of Eales disease, particularly in patients with severe or refractory disease, but they are not the first-line treatment.
**Option C:** Laser photocoagulation may be used in some cases of Eales disease to treat secondary complications such as retinal neovascularization, but it is not the primary treatment.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that Eales disease is a rare condition, and a high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis. A thorough ophthalmological examination, including fluorescein angiography, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
**Correct Answer:** C. Corticosteroids.