Health Conditions

Uveitis

OverviewOverview

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that consists of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This condition can lead to redness, pain, light sensitivity, and vision loss. It can affect individuals of all ages, though it is more common in young adults and those in their middle age.

There are different types of uveitis, classified based on the location of the inflammation: anterior uveitis (affects the front of the eye), intermediate uveitis (affects the vitreous), posterior uveitis (affects the retina and choroid), and panuveitis (affects the entire uveal tract).

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing uveitis. These include genetic predispositions, existing autoimmune disorders, and certain infections.

Autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
Infections (e.g. tuberculosis, syphilis)
Trauma to the eye
Genetic factors (e.g. HLA-B27 gene)
Smoking
Causes

While the exact cause of uveitis often remains unknown, it is usually associated with autoimmune responses, infections, or trauma. In some cases, it can also be linked to exposure to toxins or systemic inflammatory diseases.

Bacterial Infections (e.g. tuberculosis)
Viral Infections (e.g. herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus)
Fungal Infections (e.g. histoplasmosis)
Parasitic Infections (e.g. toxoplasmosis)
Autoimmune Conditions (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, sarcoidosis, ankylosing spondylitis)

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of uveitis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. While some individuals may experience mild symptoms, others could have more severe manifestations leading to significant vision impairment.

Eye redness and pain
Blurred vision
Light sensitivity
Floaters (black spots in vision)
Decreased vision

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing uveitis requires a comprehensive eye examination by an eye specialist, often alongside blood tests and imaging studies to determine the underlying cause. The exact tests will depend on the suspected cause and the severity of the symptoms.

Comprehensive eye exam
Blood tests
Ocular imaging (e.g., ultrasound, optical coherence tomography)
Fluorescein angiography
Chest X-rays or CT scans (to identify underlying systemic infections or conditions)

Treatments

The approach to treating uveitis is multifaceted and may include medications to control inflammation, address underlying causes, and manage symptoms. In more severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary.

Corticosteroid eye drops or injections
Oral corticosteroids
Immunosuppressive or biologic agents (for autoimmune-related uveitis)
Antimicrobial medications (if caused by infections)
Surgical procedures (e.g., vitrectomy, if necessary)

Tips and Extra Resources

Staying informed and proactive can significantly aid in managing uveitis effectively. Here are some tips and resources to consider:

For more information, consider visiting the following resources:

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