UVEITIS
DEFINITION OF UVEITIS
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This condition can cause eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. If untreated, uveitis can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, retinal damage, and permanent vision loss.
Uveitis may occur suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (chronic). It can affect one or both eyes and is often linked to autoimmune diseases, infections, or trauma.
RISK FACTORS OF UVEITIS
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Infections
- Trauma or Eye Surgery
- Genetic Factors
- Medications
SYMPTOMS
Very common symptom, especially in anterior uveitis (iritis)
Redness is usually around the limbus (the border where the cornea meets the white part of the eye)
Pain can range from mild discomfort to intense aching
Often worsens with light exposure or eye movement
Distinguishes uveitis from painless red eyes like allergic conjunctivitis
Marked discomfort or pain in bright light
Can occur even in moderate lighting conditions
Objects may appear fuzzy, blurry, or out of focus
Vision changes may be mild to severe depending on the inflammation severity and location
Small, dark spots or cobweb-like strands moving across the visual field
Caused by inflammatory debris in the vitreous humor (especially common in posterior uveitis)
TREATMENT TYPES
Corticosteroid Eye Drops (Prednisolone, Dexamethasone) – First-line treatment for anterior uveitis.
Oral or Injectable Steroids – Used in intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis cases.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Helps manage mild inflammation.
- Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Cyclosporine – Used for long-term inflammation control.
- Biologic Agents (Adalimumab, Infliximab) – Target autoimmune-related uveitis.
Antivirals (Acyclovir, Ganciclovir) – For herpes simplex or CMV retinitis.
- Antibiotics (Doxycycline, Rifampin) – For tuberculosis or syphilis.
- Antifungal Drugs (Amphotericin B, Fluconazole) – For fungal uveitis.
Removes infected or inflammatory debris from the vitreous.
If uveitis-related cataracts develop.
FAQS
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can cause redness, pain, light sensitivity, and vision problems.
If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like glaucoma, cataracts, or permanent vision loss.
Uveitis can be caused by:
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis)
Infections (e.g., herpes, syphilis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis)
Eye injuries
Post-surgical inflammation
Sometimes the cause is unknown (idiopathic uveitis)
Eye redness
Eye pain or aching
Blurred or decreased vision
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Floaters (small spots in vision)
Tearing or watery eyes
Irregular pupil shape (in advanced cases)
Yes.
Uveitis can cause permanent vision damage if not treated promptly. Early diagnosis and management are critical to preserve vision and prevent complications like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage.
Diagnosis involves:
Comprehensive eye examination
Slit-lamp exam to view inflammation inside the eye
Dilated retinal exam to assess the back of the eye
Sometimes blood tests or imaging to find underlying causes
An ophthalmologist may also work with a rheumatologist or infectious disease specialist if systemic disease is suspected.
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