What Is Uveitis?

Uveitis is a broad term for various eye problems characterized by inflammation and swelling that can damage eye tissues, potentially leading to poor vision or blindness. The term “uveitis” is derived from the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that is most often affected by this condition. The uvea lies between the white part of the eye (sclera) and the inner layers. It contains three important structures: the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.

Are There Different Types of Uveitis?

Yes, uveitis can be classified into different types based on the location of the inflammation:

Anterior Uveitis: The most common type affecting the front of the eye.
Intermediate Uveitis: Affects the ciliary body.
Posterior Uveitis: Affects the back of the eye.
Panuveitis: Involves inflammation of the entire uvea.

What Causes It?

Uveitis can be caused by various factors, all related to inflammation:

External Factors: Toxic substances or trauma to the eye.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation.
Infections and Tumors: Inflammation from infections or tumours within the eye or other body parts.

Are Some People at Greater Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing uveitis, including those with specific gene combinations and smokers. Various diseases also increase the likelihood of uveitis, such as:

AIDS
Ankylosing spondylitis
Behcet’s disease
CMV retinitis
Herpes zoster infection
Histoplasmosis
Kawasaki disease
Multiple sclerosis
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sarcoidosis
Syphilis
Toxoplasmosis
Tuberculosis
Ulcerative colitis
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

Symptoms

Symptoms of uveitis can affect one or both eyes and may appear suddenly or gradually. Warning signs include:

Eye redness
Pain
Blurry or reduced vision and sensitivity to light
Floaters (tiny dots or specks in your vision)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to see an eye doctor promptly to prevent serious complications.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing uveitis involves a thorough eye exam and a review of your medical history and overall health. Additional tests such as blood tests, skin tests, or X-rays may be necessary to identify the underlying cause.

Treatment

Treatment for uveitis aims to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage. Initial treatment may include corticosteroid eye drops. If these are ineffective, additional medications or injections may be required. For infections, antibiotics or antivirals are prescribed.

In severe cases, stronger drugs such as immunosuppressives may be necessary. Eye drops are commonly used for anterior uveitis, while intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis may require oral medications, injections, or an implantable device that releases medication slowly.

In some instances, a surgical procedure may be recommended to remove part of the vitreous (the gel-like substance in the eye).

Follow-Up and Prevention

Consistent follow-up with your doctor is essential to manage uveitis and prevent complications. Report any new symptoms immediately. Regular eye exams and maintaining overall health can help in early detection and management of uveitis.

Uveitis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention to protect your vision. If you have symptoms or are at risk, consult your eye doctor to discuss the best treatment options for you.