Uveitis

Uveitis

What is uveitis?

The uvea is the layer of the eye that lies between the retina and the outermost layer of the eye, the sclera. It includes your iris, the choroid — a thin membrane of blood vessels — and the ciliary body, which joins the iris and the choroid. It is essential to your vision as it contains arteries and veins that transport blood to the parts of the eye that is needed for vision.

Uveitis is a broad term used to refer to eye inflammation, or the swelling and irritation of the uvea. It is a condition that can cause permanent damage to your vision, including blindness.


There are several types of uveitis, which are distinguished by the section of the eye that is inflamed. They include:


  • Iritis
  • Retinitis
  • Choroiditis
  • Scleritis

Causes

Uveitis is generally found in men and women between the ages of 20 to 50. Although there are some instances in which cause cannot be determined, uveitis is commonly known to be a result of:
  • Eye injury
  • Systemic inflammatory diseases
  • Parasites
  • Fungus
  • Viruses
  • Bacteria

Symptoms

Uveitis is a condition that can progress rapidly and lead to complications if not treated, which is why it is important that you have an eye examination if you experience any symptoms. The symptoms of uveitis vary and often depend on what type of uveitis you have. Common symptoms include:


  • Blurred vision
  • Eye pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Redness of the eye
  • Floaters
Irritated eye - Uveitis in Clearwater, FL

Treatment

Uveitis needs to be treated as soon as possible to reduce scar tissue development in the eye. Treatment may include eye drops, intraocular injection steroids, oral medications and vitrectomy surgery.

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