Uveitis

Inflammation of the eye’s uvea is known as “uveitis.” The uvea is the middle layer of the eye consisting of the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid. There are various names for uveitis depending on what area of the uvea it affects. For instance, anterior uveitis refers to an inflammation of only the iris (iritis) or the combined areas of the iris and ciliary body. Intermediate uveitis is inflammation of only the ciliary body, and posterior uveitis is inflammation of only the choroid. When all areas are inflamed, the diagnosis is “diffuse uveitis.”

This condition usually affects people ages 20-50, and it’s estimated that approximately 280,000 Americans have uveitis each year. It is also estimated that 10% of all cases of blindness are caused by uveitis. The condition is more common in women than in men and is more likely to develop with age.

Causes of Uveitis

The causes of uveitis can be bacterial, viral or fungal in nature, but it may also result from trauma to the eye or if you suffer from a disorder associated with your immune system such as herpes, Lyme disease, MS, lupus, tuberculosis, or sarcoidosis. The exact cause of uveitis cannot always be diagnosed.

Symptoms of Uveitis

While intermediate and posterior uveitis are typically painless, anterior uveitis will cause severe pain, redness, blurry vision and sensitivity to light. Diffuse uveitis may have any combination of symptoms.

Treatment of Uveitis

In some cases of uveitis, a steroid will be prescribed to reduce the inflammation in the eye. You will receive the medication in the form of eye drops, pills, or an injection depending on what type of uveitis you have. In 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug by the name of Retisert for posterior uveitis. If you have anterior uveitis, you may need pupil-dilating eye drops to reduce the pain (in addition to the steroid medication).

If you believe you are suffering from uveitis or would like to learn more about this condition, please contact an experienced eye doctor in your area today.