We don’t have enough information to answer this question precisely but it is almost certainly true that with early diagnosis, careful monitoring and use of new medications the possibility of permanent remission increases. I wouldn’t say children can “outgrow” uveitis exactly but with proper treatment the abnormal process that gives rise to the uveitis could be stopped with therapy.  We hope permanent remission of uveitis can occur with early treatment and new treatments.

The course and outcomes of uveitis, including uveitis associated with juvenile arthritis, are variable; some children will have ongoing lingering disease activity and others can go into long-term control (remission).  Now, with new knowledge and technologies, we are beginning to aim for personalized approaches to therapy so that we can select therapies based on the individual’s genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.  We think this personalized approach will result in more uniform and effective responses to therapy.  In general, older data suggests that about 1/3 of patients with uveitis associated with juvenile arthritis  will have mild or no active disease long term, 1/3 may continue to have mild to moderate disease, and 1/3 will have substantial long term visual impairment.  However, with earlier diagnosis, more rigorous follow up and monitoring of patients, and dramatically improved treatments, we now anticipate that long-term outcomes will greatly improve.