What is uveitis?
Uveitis occurs when the middle layer of the eyeball gets inflamed
(red and swollen). This layer, called the uvea, has many blood
vessels that nourish the eye. Uveitis can be serious, leading to
permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are
important to prevent complications and preserve your vision.
What is the cause of uveitis?
In about half of all cases, the specific cause of uveitis isn't clear,
and the disorder may be considered an autoimmune disease
that only affects the eye or eyes.
If a cause can be determined, it may be one of the following:
An autoimmune or inflammatory disorder that affects other
parts of the body, such as sarcoidosis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus
erythematosus or Crohn's disease
An infection, such as cat-scratch disease, herpes zoster, syphilis, toxoplasmosis or
tuberculosis
Medication side effect
Eye injury or surgery
Very rarely, a cancer that affects the eye, such as lymphoma
What are the types?
The type of uveitis you have depends on which part of the eye
(uvea) is inflamed:
Anterior uveitis (iritis / iridocyclitis) - affects the inside
of the front of your eye (iris and ciliary body). It is the
most common type of uveitis
Intermediate uveitis (pars planitis) - Swelling of the
uvea in the middle of the eye (pars plana)
Posterior uveitis (choroiditis) - affects a layer on the inside of the back of your eye (choroid)
In severe cases, all layers may be involved - Panuveitis
What are the symptoms of uveitis?
The following symptoms may occur in one or both
eyes:
severe redness in the eye
pain
dark floating spots in your vision (floaters)
sensitivity to light (photophobia)
blurred vision
How can we diagnose uveitis?
Uveitis is diagnosed clinically by slit lamp
biomicroscopy and Indirect ophthalmoscopy
If the ophthalmologist thinks an underlying condition may be the cause of your uveitis, you may be
referred to another doctor for a general medical examination and laboratory tests.
How can we treat uveitis?
Treatment of cause - If uveitis is caused by an underlying condition. Treatment of eye inflammation - The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation in your eye, as well as in other parts of the body, if present. In some cases, treatment may be necessary for months to years.
Medications
Corticosteroids - To reduce inflammation. May be in form of eye drops, tablets or injection in or
around the eye.
Cycloplegics - To reduce pain due to spasm in iris and ciliary body
Antibacterials or antivirals - In case of infection
Immunosuppressives - If uveitis doesn't respond well to corticosteroids, or patient cannot
tolerate steroids due to side effects.
Surgery
A medication-releasing implant - For people with difficult-to-treat posterior uveitis, a device
that's implanted in the eye may be an option. This device slowly releases corticosteroid into the
eye.
Vitrectomy - Surgery to remove some of the vitreous in your eye is sometimes needed.
The speed of your recovery depends in part on the type of uveitis you have and the severity of your
symptoms.
What are the complications?
Cataract
Glaucoma - Raised Intraocular pressure
Cystoid macular edema - Swelling in central part of retina
Synergy Eye Care is well equipped and its doctors are well experienced in treating this disease using required procedures and /or surgeries with good results.
Disclaimer: Information published here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. If you suspect that you have a health problem, please consult your doctor immediately
