of this condition is not known. However, in a significant number of patients, DNA of the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been detected by PCR. Eales disease exact causes are not known. There have been some studies that implicate T-cells in the onset of the vasculitis, indicating that there may be an autoimmune factor to this disease. The exact event that causes the symptoms to begin are not known though Eales has been found to be associated with the tuberculosis bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Through examination of samples taken from epiretinal membrane (ERM), genetic similarities with the bacteria have been found. Samples were taken into culture and the bacteria was not able to be cultured or isolated indicating that the bacteria is most likely not present, but this does not rule out the presence of genetic similarities. In result, the exact causes are unknown and further research is needed to determine the exact events and causes that lead to the development of the disease. Pathology It is characterized by three overlapping stages of venous inflammation (vasculitis), occlusion, and retinal neovascularization. The exact mechanism is not known but it has been preposed that T-cells play a role in the inflammation that begins in the eye. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is found in an increased amount in patients with ED and explains the increase in vascularization within the eye. Neovascularization is stimulated by hypoxia or ischemia. Diagnosis Diagnosis of Eales Disease is mainly clinical with exclusion. Diagnosis of this disease can be complete through several different diagnostic tests. These tests include fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and ocular coherence tomography (OCT). FFA is used to identify Retinal periphlebitis (inflammation of the peripheral blood vessels in the eye) or peripheral non-perfusion. OCT is a noninvasive way to view the retina and identify macular edema, neovascularization, and hemorrhage. The diagnosis of Eales disease can be broken down into several stages due to the regular progression of the disease. Differential diagnosis There are many other ailments that show similar symptoms to ED. Differential diagnosis are as follows; retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) sequelae, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, sarcoidosis, Behçet disease, sickle cell anemia, Terson syndrome, post traumatic vitreous hemorrhage, juvenile diabetes and primary branch retinal vein occlusion. Treatment Treatment of Eales Disease comprises: 1. Medical treatment: A course of oral corticosteroids for extended periods is the mainstay of treatment during active inflammation. A course of antitubercular therapy has also