Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is a rare disorder of unknown origin that affects many body systems, including as the eyes, ears, skin, and the covering of the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). The most noticeable symptom is a rapid loss of vision. There may also be neurological signs such as severe headache, vertigo, nausea, and drowsiness. Loss of hearing, and loss of hair (alopecia) and skin color may occur along, with whitening (loss of pigmentation) of the hair and eyelashes (poliosis).

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is initially characterized by headaches, very deep Pain in the eyes, Dizziness (vertigo), and nausea. These symptoms are usually followed in a few weeks by eye Inflammation (uveitis) and blurring of vision. This may occur in both eyes at the same time or in one eye first and, a few days later, in the other. The retina may detach and Hearing loss may become apparent.

The chronic stage follows in a few weeks. This stage is characterized by changes in the eyes and skin. The changes in the eyes may include loss of color in the layer of the eye filled with blood vessels that nourish the retina (choroid), as well as the development of small yellow nodules in parts of the retina. Skin changes may include the development of smooth, white patches in the skin caused by the loss of pigment-producing cells (vitiligo). These white patches are usually distributed over the head, eyelids and torso. The chronic stage can last for several months to several years.

In many individuals, treatment improves sight and hearing. However, there may be some permanent problems, including vision and hearing deficits, and hair loss with associated loss of color of the hair, eyelashes, and skin. Lasting visual effects may include the development of secondary glauComa and cataracts.

The exact cause of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is unknown. It is thought by researchers to be an immune response to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA). These are genetic markers located on chromosome 6 that react specifically with a particular antibody. This genetic defect may predispose persons who carry this antigen to develop Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

Autoimmune disorders are caused when the body’s natural defenses (antibodies, lymphocytes, etc.) against invading organisms suddenly begin to attack perfectly healthy tissue.

Some researchers also think that there may be a genetic predisposition for the disease since it has occurred in a brother and sister and in a set of twins. A genetic predisposition means that a person may carry a gene for a disease but it may not be expressed unless something in the environment triggers the disease.

Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is a rare disease that affects males and females in equal numbers. The disorder is more prevalent in Asian, Hispanic and Native American populations than in people who trace their ancestry to northern Europe. Onset typically occurs at around 30 or 40 years of age, but cases have been reported among children as young as four years old.

Standard treatment of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is the use of high-dose systemic steroid drugs initially and often followed by immunosuppressive therapy. Testing used by an ophthalmologist or neurologist to determine if this disease is present include a spinal tap, x-ray of the blood vessels after the injection of dye (angiography), and ultrasound.