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Uveitis - Uveitis symptom, treatment, causes


Uveitis specifically refers to inflammation of the middle layer of the eye , termed the " uvea " but in common usage may refer to any inflammatory process involving the interior of the eye. Located between the sclera and retina , the uvea is the pigmented (colored) tissue visible in the front of the eye as the iris , but it also extends all the way to the back of the eye as the ciliary body and choroid. The choroid is a layer containing blood vessels that line the back of the eye and is located between the inner visually sensitive layer, called the retina, and the outer white eye wall, called the sclera. Inflammation occurring in any of these three structures is termed "uveitis". Inflammation in uveitis may involve any but not necessarily all of these three structures. Depending upon which structures are inflamed, uveitis may be further subcategorized into one of three main diagnoses, these include: 1) iritis or anterior uveitis, 2) cyclitis or intermediate uveitis, and 3) choroiditis or posterior uveitis. Severe and permanent visual loss can result from uveitis. In addition, uveitis can lead to other ocular complications, which may produce vision loss, including glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage. Early detection and treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Uveitis is inflammation of the eye's uvea. Symptoms include decreased vision, pain, redness, photophobia, and floaters. The uvea (pronounced "You-Vay-Uh") is a layer of the eye made up of three parts. Uveitis can occur in one eye or both eyes. Inflammation of the uvea may involve other parts of the eye, or any part of the eye, including the cornea , the sclera , the vitreous body, the retina and the optic nerve. The ciliary body is a group of muscles and blood vessels that changes the shape of the lens so the eye can focus. It also makes a fluid called aqueous humor. Aqueous humor is a clear, watery fluid that fills and circulates through parts of the front of the eye. Uveitis is estimated to be responsible for approximately 10% of the blindness in the United States. Uveitis requires an urgent referral and thorough examination by an ophthalmologist , along with urgent treatment to control the inflammation.

Uveitis is the Inflammation of the uvea, the middle of the three layers that make up the eyeball. The uvea consists of the iris !colouredpart ofthe eye); the ciliary body (which produces the fluid in the front part of the eye); the muscles that focus the lens; and the layer of connective tissue and blood vessels, called the choroid, beneath the retina (the light-sensitive lining of the back of the eye).Part or all of the uveal layer may be involved and, if the choroid is affected. the inflammation usually extends to the retina.

Cause of Uveitis

Most uveitis is associated with AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE ( in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack one or more of the body's own tissues), but the inflammation may also result from infection by a range of bacteria, viruses or parasites. On rare occasions it is caused by sympathetic OPHTHAlMITIS - a reaction to damage in the other eye - or SARCOIDOSIS (a generalised inflammatory disease). The common Causes of Uveitis :

  • Parasitic uveitis.
  • Viral uveitis .
  • Bacterial uveitis.
  • Sarcoidosis.
  • Autoimmune uveitis.
  • Sympathetic ophthalmitis.

Symptom of Uveitis

Symptoms usually develop subtly, and include diminished or hazy vision, black floating spots in the field of vision, or symptoms of complications such as GLAUCOMA (increased pressure in the eye), CATARACT (clouding of the lens) or DETACHEDRETINA. Some common Symptoms of Uveitis :

  • Blurred vision.
  • Eye pain.
  • Tearing.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Dark, floating spots in the vision.
  • Redness of the eye.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Uveitis

Diagnosisis by ophthalmoscopy (examination of the interior of the eye through the pupil, using a magnifying instrument). Treatment is that of the underlying cause, plus corticosteroid eyedrops and/or tablets by mouth to subdue the inflammation.

 

 


Uveitis - Uveitis symptom, treatment, causes

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