By
Jonathan Yoken, MD
UVEITIS
What is
uveitis?
Uveitis is
inflammation that occurs within a certain layer inside of the
eye, called the uvea. The uvea is a layer of tissue that resides
within the thick, white wall, called the sclera, which makes up
the outer coating of the eye wall itself.
What purpose
does the uvea serve?
The uvea primarily
contains blood vessels that help to nourish different parts of
the eye, such as the retina and iris (the part of the eye that
gives it it's "color"). Inflammation within the uvea
can damage the parts of the eye it serves if the inflammation
is severe or untreated.
How would
I know if I had uveitis?
Symptoms of
uveitis can include light sensitivity, blurred or decreased vision,
pain, and redness of the eye. It can occur in one or both eyes,
and some or all of the symptoms may be present.
Why do people
get uveitis?
There are
many different types and causes of uveitis. The type depends on
the part of the eye affected. For example, if the iris is inflamed,
this is called iritis. If the retina is inflamed, this is called
retinitis.
Causes can
include infections, such as the virus that causes chicken pox
or shingles, fungus, such as histoplasmosis, bacteria, such as
syphilis, or even parasites that can cause toxoplasmosis. Certain
medical conditions such, as arthritis, can cause different types
of uveitis as well. Past injury to an eye can also result in uveitis
in the same or even the unaffected eye. In most cases, however,
the cause may remain unknown.
How is
the cause of uveitis diagnosed?
Occasionally,
your eye doctor may be able to tell just by examining your eyes.
More often, your eye doctor will need to order special tests to
determine the exact cause. This may include ordering blood tests
or special x-rays, or having you see your primary doctor or another
specialist to evaluate your overall health.
How is
uveitis treated?
It primarily
depends on the cause and the part of the eye that is involved.
If the uveitis is caused by an infection, antibiotics would probably
be used to treat it. Some times uveitis can be treated with medications
that decrease inflammation in general, such as steroids. Treatment
is often administered in many different forms, from eye drops,
to pills, and sometimes even injections, or surgery. Your eye
doctor will be able to tell which treatment is right for your
condition. Uveitis, if severe or not treated, can sometimes be
very damaging to the inside of the eye and lead to vision impairment
or blindness.
