What is uveitis? Symptoms, causes and treatment

 

Uveitis is a general term representing a group of inflammatory diseases that result in swelling and damage the tissues of the middle layer of the eye known as the uvea. It can have numerous causes, including eye injuries, inflammatory diseases and infections. If not treated promptly or appropriately, uveitis can lead to serious eye problems, including blindness. 

 

 

The symptoms of uveitis vary, but they may include a decrease in vision, eye pain, sensitivity to light, dark floating spots in vision, and redness of the eye. It’s important to note that these symptoms can occur suddenly and rapidly worsen. However, in some cases, they might slowly develop over time. Therefore, any change in the eye’s appearance or in eyesight should warrant a consultation with an ophthalmologist.

 

 

Uveitis can be caused by various factors. An autoimmune or inflammatory disorder, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can be one of the main causes. Certain infections triggered by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites could lead to uveitis. Additionally, physical trauma to the eye, such as a severe hit or penetrating injury, can result in the inflammation of the uvea. Some types of cancers, including lymphoma, can also cause uveitis. In many cases, however, the exact cause remains unknown.

 

 

The treatment of uveitis largely targets reducing the inflammation, alleviating pain, preventing further tissue damage, and restoring any loss of vision. Treatments can be as simple as eye-drops containing corticosteroids, or they may involve oral medications, immunosuppressive drugs, injections or even surgery in severe cases.

A key part of the treatment is corticosteroid, a type of medication that suppresses inflammation. Depending on the severity and location of the inflammation, it may be given as eye drops, oral medication, or as an injection around or inside the eye. In cases where uveitis is caused by an infection, an antibiotic or antiviral medication may be prescribed to fight the infection. Some cases may also require immunosuppressive or cytotoxic medication to control inflammation, particularly when it does not respond well to corticosteroids or when a person cannot tolerate corticosteroids. 

 

Eye damage from uveitis may require surgical intervention. Procedures can range from a vitrectomy (removal of some or all of the vitreous in the eye) to correct problems such as retinal detachment or to remove scar tissue. Other procedures may be needed to manage complications such as glaucoma.

Once the uveitis is under control with medication or surgery, additional treatment may be necessary to bring back the vision that has been affected. This could involve treating macular edema, where the central part of the retina swells due to fluid accumulation. Therapy may include corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive drugs, or even surgery.

Overall, regardless of the form or the cause of uveitis, timely and effective treatment is essential in alleviating pain and preventing sight-threatening complications. As such, if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, a timely visit to the ophthalmologist could be a decisive factor in preserving the health of your eye.