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Uveitis is a condition that occurs as a result of inflammation of the iris, uvea, and ciliary body. It manifests with symptoms such as pain, redness, and irritation in the affected area. Severe or untreated cases may lead to vision loss. However, it is generally a treatable condition, and the likelihood of achieving favorable outcomes after treatment is considered high.
What is Uveitis?
Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, presenting with symptoms such as pain and redness. It may develop secondary to various conditions. While it can affect a single part of the eye, it may also involve multiple regions. In the affected area, pain, redness, and irritation are commonly observed, and the condition may even impair vision. If uveitis progresses and remains untreated, it can result in permanent vision loss or even blindness.
What are The Symptoms of Uveitis?
Uveitis symptoms vary depending on which part of the eye is affected. Uveitis may involve the anterior, intermediate, or posterior segments of the eye. When all three are affected, the condition is referred to as panuveitis. The most common type is anterior uveitis. Symptoms of anterior uveitis include:
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Conjunctival redness
- Red or irritated eye
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Changes in the shape of the pupil
Symptoms of intermediate and posterior uveitis include:
- Floaters in the visual field
- Development of visual field defects
- Decreased vision
What Causes Uveitis?
Uveitis may develop due to various causes. Approximately 50–70% of cases are considered idiopathic. The most likely known causes include:
Infections
Infectious uveitis usually affects only one eye at a time and may be caused by a range of pathogens.
Viruses
Viruses that can trigger uveitis include herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (responsible for chickenpox and shingles), and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Bacteria
Bacterial causes of uveitis include pathogens responsible for syphilis and tuberculosis.
Fungi
Fungal species such as Candida and Aspergillus may also lead to uveitis.
Parasites
Certain parasites, often transmitted from domestic animals such as cats—particularly through infected cat litter—can be linked to uveitis.
Systemic causes
Uveitis may sometimes be associated with adverse drug reactions or systemic diseases affecting multiple organ systems.
Medications
Some medications may increase the risk of developing uveitis.
How is Uveitis Diagnosed?
After evaluating the patient’s symptoms, the physician may establish a diagnosis, supported by additional tests for accuracy. Uveitis can often be diagnosed through an eye examination, particularly visual acuity testing and slit-lamp examination. The specialist may also use tonometry to measure intraocular pressure and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess structural changes in the posterior segment of the eye.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed for uveitis include:
- Blood tests
- Imaging studies
How is Uveitis Treated?
Uveitis may arise from a variety of causes. While there is no definitive cure for uveitis itself, certain underlying conditions that contribute to its development can be treated. Management generally involves medications, surgical interventions, and other approaches aimed at alleviating symptoms and preventing future complications.
Treatment options targeting uveitis symptoms include:
- Therapies to reduce pain
- Methods to control inflammation
- Antiviral medications, which treat viral infections but are not effective against bacterial, fungal, or parasitic causes
Frequently Asked Questions About Uveitis
Is uveitis contagious?
Uveitis itself is not contagious; however, it may occur as a manifestation of infectious diseases. Certain underlying conditions that can cause uveitis may be transmissible from animals to humans.
What autoimmune disease can cause uveitis?
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis, and inflammatory bowel disease are conditions that can trigger uveitis.
How long does posterior uveitis last?
Posterior uveitis is a condition that may persist for months or even years, often requiring long-term treatment and regular follow-up to prevent complications.
Can uveitis be cured permanently?
There is no definitive cure for uveitis; however, effective treatments can control inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Which department should be consulted for uveitis?
Diagnosis and treatment of uveitis are carried out and monitored in the ophthalmology department.
What causes uveitis flare up?
Uveitis flare-ups may occur due to infections, autoimmune activity, stress, or discontinuation of prescribed medications without medical supervision.
