Uveitis/Intraocular Inflammatory Disease Biobank (iBank)

Uveitis refers to a large group of intraocular inflammatory diseases that can cause
devastating visual loss in adults and children. This study establishes a clinical database
and biospecimen repository for the identification of novel factors relevant to the
pathogenesis, progression, and response to treatment of a wide spectrum of uveitic
conditions.

Objectives: This study provides for standardized collection of longitudinal clinical data and
for serial collection, processing, and storage of a variety of biospecimens. The clinical
data set and biospecimen repository will be used to identify novel genetic factors,
biomarkers, and experimental models associated with pathogenesis, progression, and response
to treatment for various ocular and systemic conditions where inflammation of the uveal tract
is present.

Study Population: The study plans to accrue 500 participants with uveitis or related
diseases. This will not be restricted by anatomical location or etiology with the inclusion
of both idiopathic cases, infectious uveitis, scleritis and those cases linked to a disease
known to be associated with an increased risk of intraocular inflammation (e.g., sarcoidosis,
Beh(SqrRoot)(Beta)et's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS) and lymphoma). In addition, 100
participants without intraocular inflammatory disease will be enrolled as controls.

Design: This is a prospective observational study of participants with intraocular
inflammatory diseases incorporating:

1. A standardized follow-up and testing schedule with standard-of-care management of eye
diseases; and

2. Collection of biospecimens for research purposes for which sampling does not incur more
than minimal risk to participants.

Outcome Measures: Outcome measures include the interaction of key parameters of disease
phenotype (such as visual acuity and ocular imaging features) with genetic variants and other
biomarkers identified from biospecimens and the characterization of new experimental models
of eye health and disease.

- INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Participants will be eligible if they:

1. Have a diagnosis of uveitis, scleritis or a disease known to be associated with
intraocular inflammation, (e.g., sarcoidosis, Behcet's disease, multiple sclerosis
(MS) and lymphoma) OR could serve as an unaffected control.

2. Are eight years of age or older if an affected participant.

3. Are 18 years of age or older if serving as an unaffected control.

4. For participants 18 years of age and older:

- Are willing to give informed consent that includes collection and study of at
least one peripheral blood sample.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Participants will not be eligible if they:

1. Are unable to understand and sign the informed consent form.

2. Are unable or unwilling to give informed consent that includes use of medical records
and clinical samples for current and future research related to vision and diseases
affecting the eyes.

3. Have a systemic disease that compromises the ability to provide adequate
ophthalmologic examination or treatment as determined by the investigator.

4. Participant is an NEI employee or subordinate or co-worker of an investigator.

5. For participants with uveitis:

- Have inactive anterior uveitis or quiescent infectious uveitis not requiring such
regimented and intensive standardized testing as determined by the Investigator.

- Have end stage or chronic quiescent changes in the setting of an established
infectious etiology, such as an old ocular toxoplasma scar (participants with
active intraocular inflammation due to infection will be recruited)