What is uveitis?
Uveitis is a general term used to describe a group of diseases that cause red eyes, eye pain, and swollen eyes. These diseases usually affect the middle layer of the eye, the UVA. They can also affect other parts of the eye. If left untreated, uveitis can lead to permanent blindness or visual impairment.
Does uveitis affect both eyes? Does uveitis affect both eyes?
Uveitis may develop in one eye or both eyes. It can affect the following:-
Retina: The innermost layer of the eye senses colors and light and sends images to the brain.
Uvea: The middle layer of the eye consists of the iris (the colored part of the eye), the choroid (the membrane that contains most of the eye’s blood vessels) and the ciliary body (connects the iris and choroid and provides nutrients to the eye. ) Are included.
Sclera:- The white outer part of the eye.
Who can get uveitis? Who can get uveitis?
Uveitis affects people of all ages, even children. Women and people between the ages of 40 and 60 have a slightly higher risk.
How many types of uveitis are there? How many types of uveitis are there?
Healthcare providers usually classify uveitis based on where the eye inflammation occurs. Types of uveitis include the following:-
Anterior: The most common type, anterior uveitis causes inflammation in the front of the eye. Symptoms may appear suddenly and are sometimes mild and resolve on their own. Some people have chronic, recurring eye inflammation that resolves with treatment and then comes back. You may have a higher risk of developing anterior uveitis if you have:
Arthritis including ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
Autoimmune diseases, such as sarcoidosis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Previous infection with herpes virus (cold sores or genital herpes) or chicken pox virus.
Intermediate: Young adults are more at risk for intermediate uveitis. This condition causes swelling in the middle of the eye. Also called cyclitis or vitritis, it often affects the vitreous, a fluid-filled space inside the eye. Symptoms may improve, go away, and then come back and get worse. One in three people with intermediate uveitis also has:
Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Sarcoidosis.
Posterior: The least common form, posterior uveitis, affects the inner part of the eye. It is also often the most serious. It can affect the retina, optic nerve and choroid. The choroid contains blood vessels that supply blood to the retina. This is sometimes called choroiditis or chorioretinitis. These types may cause recurrent symptoms that last for months or years. Possible reasons include:-
Birdshot chorioretinopathy.
Viral etiology such as herpes virus or chicken pox virus.
Panuveitis: Rarely, uveitis affects all three layers of the eye. This type is more serious and increases the chance of permanent vision loss. Possible reasons include:-
Bacterial or fungal retinitis.
What are the causes of uveitis?
An estimated one in three cases of uveitis has no known cause. People who smoke have a higher risk of developing uveitis. Eye swelling may also result from:
What are the symptoms of uveitis? What are the symptoms of uveitis?
Symptoms of uveitis may come on gradually or suddenly. You may experience the following symptoms:-
What are the complications of uveitis?
An estimated one in five people with uveitis will develop high pressure in the eyes (ocular hypertension). This condition can lead to glaucoma and irreversible vision loss. People suffering from uveitis are also at risk of other eye problems, including:
Cystoid macular edema (CME), swelling of the eye macula in the retina.
Damage to the vitreous gel substance that fills the eye.
How is uveitis diagnosed?
Your eye care healthcare provider will look inside your eyes during an eye exam. A standard eye exam usually includes the following:
Visual acuity test (reading eye charts) to check for vision loss.
Ocular pressure test (tonometry) to measure the pressure inside the eye.
Slit-lamp examination to examine the inside of the eye with a special microscope called a slit lamp.
Dilated eye test to dilate the pupils so your healthcare provider can see inside your eyes using a special lens.
Your healthcare provider may also order other tests, such as:
Blood tests to rule out infection or underlying autoimmune diseases.
Chest or brain imaging tests to look for systemic inflammation causes.
Fluorescein angiography to obtain images of the blood vessels in the back of the eye.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to obtain detailed images of the back of the eye, including the retina.
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to produce 3D images of blood flow through the eye.
Visual field test to check for damage to the optic nerve that may affect your ability to see things to the side (peripheral vision).
How is uveitis managed or treated?
Untreated uveitis can lead to blindness. If you have redness, swelling, or pain in your eyes, it is important to see your healthcare provider right away. In many cases, treatments help restore lost vision. They may also prevent further tissue damage and reduce swelling and pain. If a health condition has contributed to uveitis, treating that disease should also relieve eye swelling.
Some forms of uveitis take a long time to go away. Some come back after treatment. Depending on the type of disease, treatment includes:-
Antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal:- These medicines treat uveitis caused by infection.
Eye drops: Dilating the pupils with eye drops can reduce pain and swelling. Eye drops can also prevent the iris and lens from sticking together, a complication that can occur with anterior uveitis. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe eye drops to relieve pressure in the eyes (ocular hypertension).
Steroidal anti-inflammatory: Medicines that contain corticosteroids reduce eye inflammation. These medications come in several forms: drops, ointments, oral tablets, injections into or around the eye, intravenous (IV) infusions, or a capsule that your eye healthcare provider surgically implants inside the eye.
Immunosuppressants:- These drugs calm the immune system’s response to autoimmune disease or systemwide inflammation. Your provider may prescribe these medications if uveitis affects both eyes, does not respond to steroids or threatens your vision. You can take the medication orally as a pill, as an injection, or through an IV infusion into a vein.
What are the side effects or risks of uveitis treatment? What are the side effects or risks of uveitis treatment?
Some immunosuppressants may increase your risk of cancer. Prolonged use of steroids may cause:-
How can I prevent uveitis? How can I prevent uveitis?
Healthcare providers usually don’t know what causes most cases of uveitis. There isn’t much you can do to prevent the disease.
It’s always wise to do what you can to maintain good eye health. Taking care of diseases, infections, or other health conditions associated with uveitis can help protect your vision. You can also reduce your risk by quitting smoking.
Note, do not take any medicine without doctor’s advice. Self-medication is life-threatening and can lead to serious medical conditions.