The eye is like a ball with three different layers. The outer layer is the sclera, the innermost is the retina and the middle is the uvea. Uveitis is the inflammation of this vascular middle layer named uvea. The uvea nourishes the eye through blood vessels. Diseases of the uvea thus affect nutrition of structures of eye.
Symptoms of Uveitis
- Light sensitivity/glar
- Blurred vision
- Pain
- Redness of the eye
- Floaters
Causes of Uveitis
- Systemic inflammatory diseases such as multiple joint pains associated ankylusing sfrondytis, juvenile rheumatal arthritis
- Systemic diseases like tuberculosis, syphilis, leprosy, HIV,
sarcoidosis etc.
- Trauma or injury to the eye
- Viral, fungal or bacterial infection
- Idiopathic uveitis- cause not known/ diagnosed
Treatment of Uveitis
Uveitis is a serious eye condition that may cause permanent scars. Immediate and appropriate treatment is the secret to success. Treatment with steroids and pupil dilating drops with or without systemic medications is necessary. Uveitis is underestimated as a cause of blindness in most of the surveys.
Uveitis is associated with not only ocular problems but also systemic diseases hence increased morbidity.
The conventional treatment with steroids without etiological diagnosis may some times prove harmful. |
