Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye’s middle layer, the uvea, which is rich in blood vessels that nourish the eye. This condition can cause significant damage to vital eye tissues.

Symptoms of uveitis, such as redness, pain, and blurred vision, often appear suddenly and can worsen rapidly. It can affect one or both eyes and occur at any age, including in children.

The causes of uveitis can range from infections and injuries to autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, although the exact cause remains unknown in many cases. Uveitis is the third most common cause of blindness globally.

Symptoms of Uveitis

Uveitis presents with a variety of symptoms, which may include:

• A persistent, aching pain in or around the eye, which may worsen when focusing on something.
• Redness in the eye.
• Increased sensitivity to light.
• Blurred or cloudy vision.
• The presence of floaters, small shapes that drift across your vision.
• Loss of side vision (peripheral vision).

These symptoms may emerge gradually over days or weeks or appear suddenly, affecting one or both eyes.

Types of Uveitis

The type of uveitis is based on which part of the eye is inflamed:

• Anterior uveitis:Affects the front part of the eye, including the space between the cornea, iris, and the ciliary body. This form, also called iritis, is the most common uveitis.
• Intermediate uveitis: Targets the retina and blood vessels behind the lens and the vitreous, a gel-like substance in the center of the eye.
• Posterior uveitis: Involves the inner layer at the back of the eye, affecting either the retina or the choroid, the vascular layer of the eye located between the retina and the sclera.
• Panuveitis: Occurs when all layers of the uvea are inflamed, extending from the front to the back of the eye.

The challenge with uveitis is that if it goes untreated, it can lead to complications, especially in those over 60 or with severe cases. Potential complications include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

What Causes Uveitis?

Uveitis is triggered by inflammatory responses within the eye due to tissue damage, infections, or toxins. While the exact cause is often unknown, potential triggers can include:

• Eye injuries.
• Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, such as sarcoidosis and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Infections like syphilis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, or even the common cold.
• Adverse reactions to certain medications.
• Recent studies indicate a strong link between uveitis and cigarette smoking.

How is Uveitis Treated?

Treatment for uveitis typically involves medications known as steroids to reduce eye inflammation, which can help alleviate symptoms and prevent vision loss. Your eye doctor may prescribe steroids in several forms:

• Eye drops: The most common treatment method.
• Pills: Steroids may also be taken orally.
• Injections: In some cases, a small needle may be used to inject the steroid in or around the eye.
• Implants: If other treatments are ineffective, your doctor might recommend surgery to place an implant in the eye, which releases small doses of the steroid over time.

Steroids can have side effects, including an increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Regular eye exams are essential if you're taking steroids to monitor for these potential complications.

What Steps are Involved in Diagnosing Uveitis?

When you visit an ophthalmologist, they will perform a thorough eye exam and review your health history. The exam typically includes:

• Vision Assessment: Checking your vision with and without glasses.
• Tonometry: Measuring the pressure inside your eye.
• Slit-Lamp Examination: Using a microscope to look at the front of your eye for signs of inflammation.
• Ophthalmoscopy: Dilating your pupils and examining the back of your eye with a bright light.

Additional tests may be recommended, such as color photography of the retina, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography to check the blood vessels in your eyes. Your doctor might also analyze eye fluids, conduct blood tests, or perform imaging tests like CT or MRI scans.

Uveitis is a serious eye condition that requires immediate medical intervention to preserve vision and prevent tissue damage. Early treatment is crucial to preventing blindness. Regular eye exams are essential to monitor your condition and protect your vision over the long term.

For top-notch uveitis treatment, visit ASG Eye Hospital. We provide advanced facilities and a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to comprehensive eye care. Our expert team is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for your vision health.