Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, known as the uvea. The uvea comprises the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This condition can affect individuals of any age and can be acute or chronic, depending on its duration and severity.
There are several types, depending on which part of the uvea is affected.
- Anterior Uveitis: Affects the iris and the front part of the eye. It is the most common type.
- Posterior Uveitis: Affects the back part of the eye, including the choroid and retina.
- Panuveitis: Affects all parts of the uvea.
Causes:
The causes can be varied, including:
- Autoimmune diseases: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or Behçet’s disease.
- Infections: Viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
- Trauma: To the eye.
- Other: Allergies, certain medications, cancer.
Symptoms:
The symptoms can vary based on the type and severity of the inflammation, but they may include:
- Eye pain
- Redness of the eye
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Blurry vision
- Floaters or spots in vision
- Vision loss
To make an accurate diagnosis of uveitis, a comprehensive eye examination must be performed. This includes the use of a slit lamp to examine the eye and, in some cases, additional tests such as fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), or ocular ultrasonography to assess the extent of the inflammation.
Treatment of Uveitis:
The treatment of uveitis will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the inflammation. It may include:
- Steroid eye drops or ointments to reduce inflammation
- Oral medications such as antibiotics (for infections) or immunosuppressants (for autoimmune diseases)
- Intravitreal injections of medication for severe cases
- Surgery in rare case
Finally, regular follow-up with the ophthalmologist is important to monitor the progression of uveitis and adjust treatment as necessary. It is also essential to treat any underlying causes of uveitis, such as autoimmune diseases or infections, if identified.
