Inflammatory Eye - Uveitis

What Is The Uvea?

Uvea is the middle layer of the eye situated between the retina and the sclera, the white layer of the eye. It extends from the back of the eye towards the front and includes the 

• Iris or coloured part of the eye, 
• choroid layer and
• ciliary body. 

It is richly supplied with blood vessels and provides blood supply to the retina and other parts of the eye.

What Is Uveitis?

Inflammation of the uvea is called Uveitis. 

It can occur at the back or front of the eye or may involve the whole uvea of the eye. Inflammation may also occur in the fluid present in the middle of the eye.

The most common type of Uveitis is iritis which is the inflammation of the iris. 

What Is the Cause of Uveitis?

The inflammation may be caused by an infection of the eye. Some examples of infections are

• Microbial Keratitis,
• Herpes Simplex Virus, and
• Genetic Disorders (eg HLA B27)

The inflammation may also be associated with systemic conditions such as

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Psoriasis, 
• Sarcoidosis, 
• Multiple sclerosis
• Systemic infection present in the body such as tuberculosis or syphilis, or 
• have no identifiable underlying cause.

What Are The Symptoms of Uveitis?

Symptoms will include

• redness of the eye, 
• pain, 
• a blurring of vision, and
• sensitivity to light. 

The symptoms may occur suddenly or may develop slowly over time. It may occur in one or both eyes. 

How is Uveitis Treated?

Your ophthalmologist will examine your eye in detail and may advise treatment depending on the cause of the Uveitis. Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause. 

Eye Drops Treatment for Uveitis

A common treatment is eye drops that ease the inflammation. For most straightforward cases of non-infectious anterior Uveitis or iritis, corticosteroid eye drops are prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.

Other Treatment for Uveitis

If Uveitis is a result of an infection, antibiotics or antiviral medication may also be prescribed.

Early Treatment Uveitis is Important

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent loss of vision due to Uveitis. Without treatment, there can be permanent adverse effects on the eye.

Uveitis Recurrence

Even after complete recovery Uveitis may recur. 

So, on the reappearance of any symptoms, you should consult your surgeon at the earliest opportunity. 

If Uveitis is Untreated

If not treated in a timely manner it may cause:

• an increase in the intraocular eye pressure, 
• cloudiness of the eye lens (Cataract), 
• a Retinal Detachment, 
• fluid in the retina or 
• loss of vision. 

Thus, if you observe any of the symptoms of Uveitis, you should consult an eye specialist at the earliest opportunity.