Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea — the middle layer of the eye that lies between the white outer wall (sclera) and the retina, and includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Because the uvea carries much of the eye’s blood supply, uveitis can be serious: if left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
People of all ages, including children, can develop uveitis, and it may affect one or both eyes. It can be classified as acute or chronic (based on how long it lasts), granulomatous or non-granulomatous (based on how it looks), and infectious or non-infectious (based on its cause).
Causes
Uveitis can be caused by various factors, including:
- Autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sarcoidosis)
- Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic)
- Injury or trauma to the eye
- Certain medications
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking
Symptoms
In some cases symptoms develop gradually over time, while in others they appear suddenly and worsen quickly. Signs and symptoms of uveitis can include:
- Eye redness
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Dark, floating spots in your field of vision (floaters)
- Decreased vision
Uveitis can range from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause, the degree of inflammation, and how quickly it is treated. If untreated or inadequately treated, it can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and even permanent vision loss.
Types of uveitis
Uveitis is classified according to the part of the uvea that is affected:
- Anterior uveitis: inflammation of the front of the eye, including the iris and ciliary body.
- Intermediate uveitis: inflammation of the middle of the eye, including the vitreous gel.
- Posterior uveitis: inflammation of the back of the eye, including the choroid and retina.
- Panuveitis: inflammation involving all parts of the uvea.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing uveitis involves a complete eye examination. Your ophthalmologist may check your vision and eye pressure, examine the front and back of the eye with a slit lamp, and order blood tests or imaging when an underlying cause is suspected. Identifying that cause is often key to choosing the right treatment.
Treatments
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, ease symptoms, and prevent complications. The best approach depends on the severity and cause of the uveitis. Common options include:
- Topical or oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Immunosuppressive medications, used in severe cases or when corticosteroids alone are not enough.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation.
- Biologic agents, which target specific parts of the immune system, in select cases.
- Surgery, which may be needed for complications such as cataracts or retinal detachment.
Prevention
Uveitis cannot always be prevented, but these steps may lower the risk or reduce its severity:
- Routine eye exams, which help detect and treat uveitis early.
- Managing underlying conditions such as autoimmune diseases or infections.
- Wearing protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
When to see an eye doctor in Roatán
Uveitis can progress quickly, so early evaluation matters. If you notice eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, seek an eye exam promptly. At our clinic in Roatán, we diagnose and treat uveitis to help protect your vision.