What is Uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can cause eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. If left untreated, uveitis can lead to serious complications, including vision loss.
Types of Uveitis
Uveitis is classified based on the part of the eye affected:
1️⃣ Anterior Uveitis (Iritis) – Inflammation of the iris (the colored part of the eye).
- Most common type
- Symptoms: Red eyes, pain, light sensitivity
- Often linked to autoimmune diseases
2️⃣ Intermediate Uveitis (Cyclitis) – Affects the ciliary body (middle part of the uvea).
- Symptoms: Floaters, blurred vision
- Can be linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) or infections
3️⃣ Posterior Uveitis (Choroiditis & Retinitis) – Involves the choroid (back part of the uvea).
- Symptoms: Blurred vision, floaters, vision loss
- Often caused by infections or autoimmune conditions
4️⃣ Panuveitis – Inflammation affecting all parts of the uvea.
- Most severe form, can lead to permanent vision loss
- Associated with systemic inflammatory diseases
Causes of Uveitis
🔹 Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Sarcoidosis
- Lupus
🔹 Infections:
- Viral: Herpes Simplex, Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Bacterial: Tuberculosis, Syphilis
- Parasitic: Toxoplasmosis
🔹 Eye Injuries & Surgeries – Can trigger inflammation.
🔹 Unknown Causes (Idiopathic Uveitis) – In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.
Symptoms of Uveitis
- Eye redness and pain
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Floating dark spots (floaters)
- Decreased vision
Symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually, depending on the type of uveitis.
Diagnosis of Uveitis
A comprehensive eye exam is performed, which may include:
✔ Slit-lamp examination – To check for inflammation in the front of the eye.
✔ Fundoscopic exam – To examine the retina and optic nerve.
✔ Blood tests & Imaging – To identify underlying causes like infections or autoimmune diseases.
Treatment Options for Uveitis
🔹 Treatment depends on the cause and severity!
1. Medications
✔ Steroid Eye Drops (Prednisolone) – Reduce inflammation (used for anterior uveitis).
✔ Oral or Injectable Steroids – For severe cases affecting the back of the eye.
✔ Immunosuppressive Drugs – Used for autoimmune-related uveitis.
✔ Antibiotics or Antivirals – If the cause is an infection.
✔ Mydriatic Eye Drops – Dilate the pupil to relieve pain and prevent scarring.
2. Surgery & Advanced Treatments
✔ Vitrectomy – Removal of the vitreous gel in severe cases.
✔ Implantable Steroid Devices – For long-term control of inflammation.
Possible Complications of Uveitis
⚠ If left untreated, uveitis can lead to:
❌ Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
❌ Cataracts (clouding of the lens)
❌ Retinal detachment
❌ Permanent vision loss
When to See a Doctor?
🚨 Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Sudden vision changes
- Severe eye pain and redness
- Flashes of light or many floaters
