Understanding Uveitis: Causes and Treatments

Imagine waking up one day and notice that your vision is slightly blurry, or you see small, dark, floating spots in your field of view. You might dismiss it as temporary or due to a lack of sleep, but your eye is also red and slightly painful. You might be experiencing the symptoms of a condition called uveitis.
 

What is Uveitis?

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea. The uvea is the middle layer of your eye, containing many blood vessels. These vessels carry nutrients to the various parts of your eye. An inflammation of the uvea means that these blood vessels are inflamed, which can affect the nutrient supply to your eye parts, leading to symptoms such as redness, pain, and blurred vision.
 

Uveitis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, or even permanent vision loss. Therefore, it's imperative to understand this condition well and be able to identify its symptoms.
 

Types of Uveitis

Uveitis isn't just one condition but a group of inflammatory diseases that can cause swelling and destroy eye tissues. These diseases can be classified into four types based on which part of the uvea they affect.
 

Anterior uveitis is the most common type, affecting the front part of the eye. You might know it as iritis or iridocyclitis. Intermediate uveitis affects the ciliary body, the part of the eye just behind the iris, and is also known as cyclitis.
 

Posterior uveitis, also known as choroiditis or chorioretinitis, affects the back of the eye. Finally, there's panuveitis uveitis, which affects all layers of the uvea. Regardless of the type of uveitis, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention when symptoms appear.
 

Causes and Risk Factors of Uveitis

Uveitis can be caused by various factors, including infections, injuries, and autoimmune diseases. Bacterial or viral infections like syphilis, herpes, or tuberculosis can trigger uveitis, as can an injury to the eye.
 

Autoimmune diseases, where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues, can also cause uveitis. Some of these diseases include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or sarcoidosis.
 

Certain factors can put you at a higher risk of developing uveitis. If you have a history of autoimmune diseases or if you've had uveitis before, you're at a higher risk. Other risk factors include smoking and exposure to toxins.
 

Treatment Options for Uveitis

Treatment for uveitis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, prevent further tissue damage, and restore any loss of vision. Depending on the type and severity of uveitis, your doctor may prescribe eye drops, pills, injections, or infusions.
 

Eye drops with corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation. If an infection caused your uveitis, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication. In some cases, immunosuppressive or cytotoxic medication may be used to control inflammation, especially if it doesn't respond to corticosteroids.
 

In severe cases or if medication doesn't help, surgery might be necessary. A vitrectomy, a procedure to remove some or all of the vitreous in your eye, might be performed.
 

Each case of uveitis is unique, and your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific circumstances. It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions and complete your treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome.
 

Conclusion

Uveitis is a serious condition, but with prompt action and appropriate treatment, it can be managed effectively. Having a good understanding of uveitis, what it is, its causes, symptoms, and treatments, is the first step in being proactive about this condition. If you notice any changes in your vision or if your eyes become red and painful, seek medical help immediately.
 

For more information on the causes and treatment options for uveitis, visit Seymour Eye Clinic at our office in Seymour, Indiana. Call 812-523-6100 to schedule an appointment today.