Uveitis Treatment

Types of Uveitis

The uvea is a layer that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, and is responsible for blood flow and nutrition of the eye. Uveitis is not a disease by itself but can be a complication of many different diseases and infections.

Uveitis is categorized into three main types based on the region of the uvea affected by the inflammation. Anterior Uveitis (Iritis or Iridocyclitis) involves inflammation of the iris and ciliary body in the front part of the eye. Anterior uveitis is the most common type.

It usually causes sudden onset, severe pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Intermediate Uveitis (Intermediate Uveitis) involves inflammation of the ciliary body and choroid in the back of the eye.

It is less common than anterior uveitis and usually causes less pronounced symptoms. Blurred vision, floaters, and night blindness are the most common symptoms. Posterior Uveitis involves inflammation of the choroid and retina in the backmost part of the eye.

It is the least common type of uveitis and carries the highest risk of serious complications. It can cause blurred vision, pain, floaters, and narrowing of the visual field. Other types of uveitis include:

⬩Panuveitis, which affects all layers of the uvea.

⬩Granulomatous Uveitis, which is caused by infections and leads to the formation of small nodules in the eye.

⬩Masquerade Uveitis, which mimics the symptoms of another underlying disease.

Symptoms of Uveitis

Uveitis, an inflammation affecting the middle layer of the eye (uvea), can present with a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms of uveitis include:

⬩Eye pain, which can be sharp or aching and may be exacerbated by light exposure.

⬩Redness in the white part of the eye or the iris.

⬩Extreme light sensitivity and glare.

⬩Blurred vision, which can be mild or severe and can affect one or both eyes.

⬩Floaters or dark spots appearing in the vision.

⬩Excessive tearing.

⬩Drooping eyelid in the affected eye.

Causes of Uveitis

Although more than 50% of uveitis cases have no known cause, infections, autoimmune diseases, and trauma are the most common causes. Factors contributing to uveitis include:

⬩Viruses (herpes, toxoplasmosis), bacteria (tuberculosis, syphilis), fungi, and parasites.

⬩Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Behçet's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis.

⬩Trauma to the eye region, including blunt force and penetrating injuries.

⬩Systemic diseases such as sarcoidosis, vasculitis, and multiple sclerosis.

⬩Uveitis can occur after eye surgeries such as cataract and glaucoma surgeries.

⬩Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and some antibiotics, can cause or trigger uveitis.

⬩There is a genetic predisposition to uveitis in some families.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Uveitis

Diagnosis of uveitis is made through a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The doctor will use a slit lamp microscope to examine the eyes. Blood tests and imaging tests may also be requested to determine the cause of uveitis.

Treatment of uveitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the disease. Mild cases of uveitis can be treated with steroid eye drops or ointments. More severe cases may require stronger medications such as oral steroids, immunosuppressants, or biologic agents.

Infectious uveitis is treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungal medications.