Uveitis

Uveitis is a form of eye inflammation which affects the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall (uvea).

The signs of uveitis occur suddenly and get worse quickly which include redness, blurred vision and pain. This disease primarily affects people of ages within 20-50 years old. Children may also be affected.

Uveitis may lead to permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications of uveitis.

Signs and symptoms of uveitis include:

• eye redness,
• pain in the eye,
• sensitivity to light,
• problems with accommodation,
• floating spots in the field of vision,
• decreased vision.

Symptoms may occur quickly and get worse. Symptoms may appear in one or both eyes.

Types of uveitis depends on the part of the eye affected which include:

• Iritis - affects the front of the eye.
• Cyclitis - affects ciliary body.
• Choroiditis and retinitis - affects back of the eye.
• Diffuse uveitis - it occurs in all layers of uvea.

The specific cause of uveitis is not clear but some of the following conditions may lead to uveitis:

• eye injury or surgery,
• autoimmune disorder,
• inflammatory disorder such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis,
• infections such as syphilis, toxoplasmosis, herpes zoster and tuberculosis,
• cancer such as lymphoma.

Diagnosis of uveitis starts with complete eye examination and anamnesis of the patient.

Some of the following tests may be recommended additionally:

• blood test,
• analysis of the fluid obtained from the eye,
• photography to evaluate retinal blood flow,
• photography to measure the thickness of the retina.

Treatment for uveitis includes treating the underlying specific condition. The goal of the treatment is to reduce inflammation in eyes.

• Medications - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids are used as the first line therapy. Antibiotics and anti-viral drugs to fight against pathogens, immunosuppressant to suppress immune system.
• Surgical procedures - Vitrectomy is a procedure to remove fluid from the eye to reduce pressure. Implantation surgery which includes implantation of a device that slowly releases required amount of medications to treat uveitis.

Healthy and hygienic measures can be taken to prevent uveitis.

Some alternative remedies can be used to cure uveitis but they have not been studied well.

Before using any alternative medicine, it is recommended to consult your doctor because these alternative medicines can interact with the ongoing drugs and cause adverse effects.

There are several risks and complications associated with uveitis.

Genetic mutations can act as a risk factor.

Some studies prove the uveitis can be caused by cigarette smoking.

Some of the following complications may occur if uveitis is left untreated:

• glaucoma,
• cataract,
• damage to optic nerve,
• detachment of retina and loss of vision.