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The uvea is the middle layer of the eye, consisting of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It is responsible for controlling the amount of light entering the eye, supplying nutrients and oxygen, and reducing reflected light. Inflammation of the uvea, or uveitis, can impair vision and should be treated promptly.
The uvea is the pigmented middle layer of the three concentric layers that make up the eye. The words come from the Latin word for grape, and the name is thought to be given because, when dissected by the eye, the uvea looks like wrinkled, purple grape skin. The uvea has three main parts: the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid.
The iris is the most visible part of the uvea. It is the uniquely pigmented part of the eye that gives it color. If the iris is brown, a person is said to have brown eyes, for example. The iris expands and contracts around the pupil to control the amount of light that enters the eye.
The ciliary body is the structure in the eye that releases a clear fluid (aqueous humor) inside the eye, which helps keep the eyeball clear of debris. The ciliary body of the uvea has the ciliary muscle, which changes the shape of the lens when the eyes focus on an object. The choroid is the layer of blood vessels and connective tissue between the sclera (white of the eye) and the retina. It supplies nutrients and oxygen to the inner parts of the eye. The uvea as a body also improves the contrast of the retinal image by reducing the reflected light inside the eye.
The eye as a whole is sensitive to irritation and can easily become inflamed. Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea and can significantly impair vision. There are many causes of uveitis, including syphilis and toxoplasmosis. It should be treated as soon as possible so that the person does not go blind. If treated promptly, the prognosis is usually good and recovery is uneventful. Prednisone drops are the treatment of choice for uncomplicated uveitis. If inflammation due to an infection is suspected, a course of antibiotic drops may also be prescribed.
The uvea is a complex structure, essential for the correct functioning of the eye. Anyone experiencing eye inflammation or pain should always seek medical treatment for the condition. He or she may not have uveitis, but keeping the uvea healthy is a key to maintaining good vision.
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