Uveitis is a dangerous inflammation of the uvea in the eye that can cause severe vision impairment or blindness. Treatment involves steroids and monitoring, and it can be caused by infections, autoimmune disease, trauma, or toxins. Immediate attention from a doctor is critical.
Uveitis is a very dangerous inflammation of the central area of the eye, known as the uvea. If untreated, uveitis can lead to severe vision impairment or blindness, making prompt attention from an ophthalmologist critical, along with adherence to a doctor’s devised treatment plan. There are a number of treatment options that can be used to address and manage this inflammation.
Patients with uveitis usually feel some pain in the affected eye. They may also have itchy, swollen eyes and have blurry vision or floaters in their vision that make it difficult to see. Tear production may also increase, making the eye wet and watery. It’s also not uncommon for the uvea to become cloudy or reddish, indicating that the body is fighting an inflammation.
Some common causes of uveitis include systemic infections, autoimmune disease, eye trauma, and exposure to toxins. Sometimes the cause is not clear. The condition often becomes chronic, recurring again and again or occurring consistently at a low-grade level. Over time, the blood supply to the retina can be damaged and the patient can develop severe vision problems.
The uvea includes the iris, ciliary body and choroid. Inflammation involving the iris may be known as anterior uveitis or iriditis. Intermediate uveitis involves the ciliary body, while the posterior form involves the choroid, in an infection also known as choroiditis. In diffuse or panuveitis, the entire uveal tract is involved, rather than a specific area.
Immediate treatment of uveitis involves giving steroids to reduce inflammation and swelling, which will reduce the risk of damage to the eye. The patient may also be encouraged to use compresses to bring relief to the eye. Additional medications may be given if the inflammation is caused by an infection or autoimmune disease, and the eye will continue to be monitored until the inflammation resolves. Long-term treatment may be needed if uveitis is associated with a chronic, incurable condition.
Anyone experiencing vision changes, marked redness or cloudiness of the eye, or eye pain should see a doctor, preferably as soon as possible. Conditions involving the eye can become dangerous very quickly if not addressed, and as well as causing potential damage to your eyesight, such conditions can also indicate that there is a serious underlying medical problem that needs to be addressed.
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