University of Auckland Launches Pioneering Research into Stress and Uveitis Connection

In a significant advancement for eye health research in New Zealand, the University of Auckland has announced a new prospective study examining the intricate relationship between psychological stress and flares of HLA-B27 associated uveitis. Led by Associate Professor Rachael Niederer from the Department of Ophthalmology, this initiative funded by the Auckland Hospitals Research and Endowment Fund (AHREF) aims to provide definitive insights into whether stress triggers uveitis recurrences or if the condition itself heightens stress levels among patients.

Uveitis, an inflammation of the uvea—the middle layer of the eye encompassing the iris, ciliary body, and choroid—can lead to blurred vision, pain, light sensitivity, and in severe cases, permanent vision loss if not managed promptly. HLA-B27 associated uveitis, a common subtype linked to the human leukocyte antigen B27 gene, is particularly prevalent in New Zealand due to higher carriage rates in the population, affecting around 9 percent of Caucasians and 6.5 percent of Māori individuals. This form often presents as acute anterior uveitis, characterized by sudden onset symptoms, and carries a high recurrence risk of approximately 45 to 50 percent over a decade.

The study comes at a critical time as New Zealand grapples with rising awareness of uveitis's burden. Tertiary centers in Auckland have documented diverse patterns influenced by the country's multicultural demographic, with herpetic and idiopathic cases common alongside HLA-B27 variants. Recurrence rates underscore the need for better understanding of triggers, positioning this University of Auckland effort as a beacon in local higher education-driven medical innovation.

Understanding Uveitis: A Silent Threat to Vision in Aotearoa

Uveitis encompasses a group of diseases causing intraocular inflammation, broadly classified as anterior, intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis based on affected structures. Anterior uveitis, the most frequent type, involves the front portion and accounts for the majority of cases seen in New Zealand clinics. Globally, incidence ranges from 17 to 52 cases per 100,000 person-years, but local data from Auckland's referral centers highlight unique epidemiological features shaped by ethnicity and environment.

In New Zealand, HLA-B27 positive uveitis emerges as a leading cause, comprising up to 36 percent of screened cases, often co-occurring with spondyloarthropathies like ankylosing spondylitis. Paediatric uveitis studies reveal idiopathic forms and juvenile idiopathic arthritis associations dominating, while adults over 60 show elevated herpetic and drug-induced incidences. Mortality risks are notably higher for uveitis and scleritis patients compared to the general population, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.656, emphasizing the condition's systemic implications.

Symptoms typically include red eyes, photophobia, floaters, and reduced acuity, progressing step-by-step from mild discomfort to potential complications like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular edema if inflammation persists. Treatment involves corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics such as adalimumab, but recurrence remains a challenge, with nearly half of acute anterior uveitis patients experiencing relapse in the affected eye.

The Emerging Role of Psychological Stress in Uveitis Flares

Patients frequently anecdotally link uveitis episodes to stressful periods, a pattern echoed in observational research worldwide. Studies using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)—a validated 10-item questionnaire measuring feelings of unpredictability, uncontrollability, and overload—consistently report elevated scores among those with active or recurrent uveitis compared to inactive cases or controls. For instance, patients with recent flares often recall significant life stressors in the preceding months.

Mechanistically, stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, releasing cortisol and catecholamines that modulate immune responses. In autoimmune conditions like HLA-B27 uveitis, this can exacerbate cytokine production, promoting inflammation. Winter seasonality observed in New Zealand HLA-B27 cases may tie into psychological stressors like seasonal affective disorder alongside physiological factors. However, retrospective designs reliant on recall introduce biases, leaving causality unclear: does stress precipitate flares, or does chronic uveitis amplify stress?

Prior evidence includes higher PSS-10 scores (e.g., 4.3-point increase) in uveitis cohorts and associations with depression or reduced daily functioning. International findings reinforce this, with active uveitis patients showing significantly raised perceived stress akin to general populations but markedly higher during flares.

Addressing Research Gaps: Why a Prospective Approach Matters

Existing literature, while suggestive, suffers from methodological limitations. Observational snapshots capture correlations but not temporality, and self-reported histories falter under memory biases. Associate Professor Niederer notes, “Patients often tell me that their uveitis flares after a particularly stressful event or period of time. This study is the direct result of listening to patients’ experience and wanting to explore it further.”

The University of Auckland's project innovates by adopting a prospective longitudinal design, tracking stress prospectively to establish precedence. This gold-standard method will delineate bidirectional influences, informing targeted interventions like stress management alongside pharmacotherapy.

Inside the Study: Methodology and Participant Journey

Enrolling 250 HLA-B27 uveitis patients and healthy controls, the study spans three years of recruitment plus one-year follow-up. Participants complete PSS-10 questionnaires at baseline and tri-monthly, supplemented by a single-visit protocol: comprehensive eye imaging via optical coherence tomography (OCT) and a blood draw for biomarkers.

• Baseline Assessment: PSS-10, clinical exam, OCT scan, blood sample.
• Follow-up: Quarterly online questionnaires monitoring stress and flare occurrences.
• Controls: Age/gender-matched healthy volunteers for baseline comparisons.

Low-burden participation minimizes dropout, with eyecare professionals referring via treve.dromgool@auckland.ac.nz. Niederer emphasizes, “We would love more people with HLA-B27 uveitis to get involved. We would also love healthy volunteers.” Ethical approvals ensure participant safety, aligning with University of Auckland's rigorous standards.

Spotlight on Leadership: Associate Professor Rachael Niederer

A/Prof Niederer, a uveitis and medical retina specialist at Auckland Eye and Te Whatu Ora, exemplifies New Zealand's higher education excellence. With over 120 peer-reviewed publications and citations exceeding 3,000, her work spans uveitis epidemiology, recurrence risks, and adalimumab efficacy. Recent contributions include seasonal patterns in HLA-B27 uveitis—peaking in August winters—and high recurrence analyses informing clinical guidelines.

Her AHREF-funded project underscores translational research prowess at UoA's Ophthalmology Department, bridging clinic and lab to enhance patient outcomes. Niederer's patient-centered ethos shines: “Research is a slow process! But I’m really looking forward to sharing the results when we get them.”

New Zealand's Unique Uveitis Landscape Shapes Research Priorities

New Zealand's uveitis profile reflects its bicultural and multicultural fabric. Māori and Pacific populations show distinct patterns, with idiopathic anterior uveitis prevalent alongside HLA-B27 cases. Auckland clinics report 36 percent positivity rates, correlating with ankylosing spondylitis in one-third. Paediatric cohorts highlight juvenile idiopathic arthritis associations, while ageing demographics elevate herpetic risks.

Seasonal peaks in winter align with global trends but localize to New Zealand's temperate climate, potentially intertwining stress, vitamin D dips, and infections. High recurrence—45.5 percent ipsilateral over 10 years—strains healthcare, with vision-threatening complications like cystoid macular edema common. This context amplifies the study's relevance, positioning UoA as a leader in tailored interventions.

Potential Impacts: Transforming Patient Management and Policy

If stress proves causal, integrations like cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness could complement steroids, reducing reliance on immunosuppressants with side effects. Bidirectional findings might spur holistic care models, addressing uveitis's mental health toll—elevated anxiety and depression noted internationally.

For New Zealand, outcomes could inform Health New Zealand guidelines, easing burden on tertiary services. Broader autoimmune research benefits, given HLA-B27 links to spondyloarthropathies. Patient empowerment via validated PSS-10 tracking fosters self-management, vital amid rising chronic disease prevalence.

University of Auckland's Role in Advancing Ophthalmic Research

UoA's Ophthalmology Department thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, boasting state-of-the-art OCT, fundus imaging, and biomarker labs. Initiatives like the uveitis fellowship train clinician-scientists, ensuring sustained expertise. Partnerships with Te Whatu Ora amplify real-world translation, from adalimumab relapse studies to microbiome explorations in uveitis.

This stress project exemplifies higher education's societal impact, securing AHREF funding amid competitive landscapes. It inspires peers at Otago and Canterbury, fostering national eye health consortia.

Looking Ahead: Calls for Participation and Research Horizons

Recruitment urgency calls for referrals, promising low-effort contributions to breakthrough knowledge. Niederer reflects, “It is also unclear whether stress triggers uveitis flares, or whether problems associated with living with uveitis raise stress levels. This study is exciting as it addresses those biases through a prospective study.”

Future vistas include AI-driven flare prediction, personalized biologics, and stress biomarkers. For New Zealand universities, it heralds expanded mental-physical health integration, bolstering global rankings in clinical research.

As results emerge in coming years, this endeavor reaffirms UoA's commitment to innovative, patient-informed science, potentially reshaping uveitis care nationwide.

Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash