What is Uveitis?
Uveitis refers to the inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye consisting of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This condition can affect one or both eyes and can be categorized based on the part of the uvea that is inflamed.
Uveitis can be acute or chronic and may vary in severity depending on the underlying cause.
Side Effects of Uveitis
The inflammation associated with uveitis can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms and potential complications, including:
- Eye Redness: The affected eye may appear red or bloodshot.
- Eye Pain: Patients often experience pain, discomfort, or a sensation of pressure within the eye.
- Blurred Vision: Vision can become blurred or cloudy.
- Sensitivity to Light: Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) is common.
- Floaters: Small specks or shapes that float in the field of vision may appear.
- Complications: Without timely treatment, uveitis can potentially lead to more serious complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, or permanent vision loss.
How is Uveitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing uveitis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an ophthalmologist. The process may include:
- Medical History: Understanding your symptoms and medical history.
- Visual Acuity Test: Checking how well you can see at various distances.
- Slit Lamp Examination: Using a microscope and a bright light to examine the structures of the eye.
- Tonometry: Measuring the pressure inside the eye.
- Dilation: Enlarging the pupil with eye drops to examine the retina and optic nerve.
- Blood Tests and Imaging: These may be ordered to identify any underlying causes or associated conditions contributing to uveitis.
Potential Treatment of Uveitis
Treatment for uveitis aims to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and preserve vision. Depending on the type and severity of uveitis, treatment options may include:
- Steroid Eye Drops: To reduce inflammation and pain directly in the eye.
- Oral Steroids or Immunomodulators: In cases of more severe or persistent inflammation.
- Biological Agents: Injected medications that target specific molecules involved in the inflammatory process.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be required to address complications such as cataracts or glaucoma.
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