What is Uveitis and how can it be Treated
The uvea is the pigmented part of the eye which includes the iris, ciliary body and choroid. Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea. The eye has got layers of tissue. The outmost layer is called the sclera. The layer at the other end is called the retina. The portion between the sclera and the retina is known as uvea. Uveitis affects many parts of the eye including the retina and choroid. Uveitis can also be a symptom of other diseases like toxoplasmosis, Behcet’s disease and sarcoidosis.
Causes
There are a number of factors which can cause uveitis.
- Virus (herpes)
- Parasite (toxoplasmosis)
- Fungus (histoplasmosis)
- Auto immune disease
- Trauma
- Medical conditions like colitis, arthritis and spondylitis
Types of uveitis
- Anterior uveitis- the iris or the ciliary body is affected. Anterior uveitis was previously known as iritis. It is the usual form of uveitis. It can cause complications like cataract or high eye pressure.
- Intermediate uveitis- the middle portion of the eye is affected. It is known as cyclitis.
- Posterior uveitis- the choroid and retina are affected in this type of uveitis. It is known as retinitis.
- Panuveitis- the uvea as a whole is affected.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Blurring of image
- Redness of eye
- Floaters
- Light sensitivity
Symptoms like redness, light sensitivity and pain will be pronounced in the case of anterior uveitis. Blurred vision, flashes of light and floaters are the symptoms of intermediate and posterior uveitis. Panuveitis has got all the symptoms.
image source: pixabay
Treatment options
The treatment for uveitis is done according to the type. Infections can cause inflammation. Such cases of uveitis are treated with the help of antibiotics and eye drops. Cortisteroids are administered in the form of eye drops, injections and oral form to treat non contagious uveitis.
Eye drops are the first form of treatment given to the patient. The full course should be completed to achieve cure. Injections are administered to the eye (side) if the inflammation is not cured with the help of eye drops. Posterior uveitis cases are usually treated with injections. It rarely has any major side effects. Cortisteroid tablets are strong and are used for treatment only if there is a high risk of vision loss or if both eyes are affected. Side effects can include weight gain, insomnia, mood change, appetite increase, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cataracts, and glaucoma and muscle weakness.
Extreme cases need immunosuppressants which control the activities of the immune system. Such treatments make the patient prone to infections. Side effects can include skin complaint, prickly skin, vomiting, high blood pressure, headaches, and lack of sensation, appetite loss and hair loss. Complications like cataract and glaucoma are treated with the help of laser surgery. People should consult a doctor if they have symptoms like blurred vision, flashes of light, redness, pain or floaters to avoid complications like cataract or vision loss.
reference: https://nei.nih.gov/health/uveitis/uveitis
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