The eye is an organ whose function is to perceive and capture images from the external environment, to be transmitted to the brain, from where they are interpreted. To focus the embodiments, various eye parts work together, thus forming the optical system. These parts are the cornea, the pupil, the lens, the retina, and, finally, the optic nerve. The correct functioning of the eye is essential for a proper relationship of people with their environment, so the diseases that affect the eyes must be taken care of because of the possibilities of producing a pretty significant alteration in the life of a person. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will talk about one of these diseases; We will explain everything about Uveitis: symptoms, causes, and treatments .
Table of Contents
What is Uveitis
Definition of uveitis
Uveitis means inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye between the retina and the white part of the eye called the sclera. It comprises the iris, the choroids, and the ciliary body. The uvea contains a large number of blood vessels, so they supply significant blood irritation to the eye, especially in the retina; so if there is a process of Uveitis, it can produce alterations in vision since the retina is the part in charge of the transformation of images to nerve signals.
There are different types of Uveitis, depending on the area where the inflammation occurs:
- Iritis: it is the most common type of Uveitis, and it is the one that affects the front part of the eye. It is also called anterior Uveitis due to the area of inflammation. The duration can be approximately eight weeks, and they can be recurrent.
- Intermediate Uveitis is the inflammation of the central region of the eye. This type of inflammation can last from a few weeks to last longer and last for years, and it can also gradually improve or worsen.
- Posterior Uveitis: affection of the rear sector of the eye. Inflammation of the structures that make up the back of the eye is observed. It can have a slow development, and its duration can last for several years, progressively worsening. It partially involves the choroids.
- Panuveitis: it is also called diffuse because it affects all intraocular structures. This is the most severe type of Uveitis and is widely associated with diseases of general affection.
Uveitis: symptoms and signs
Uveitis is a condition that affects a minimal percentage of the world’s population. It presents some characteristic symptoms of the injury, which allows it to be diagnosed and, in turn, establish differential diagnoses with other injuries. The most common symptoms of Uveitis are the following:
- It can develop suddenly.
- Pain.
- Redness
- Blurred vision (which can be painless).
- Photosensitivity (sensitivity to light).
- Decrease in vision
- Floating spots.
- Hypopyon (It is a whitish area that darkens the lower part of the iris).
- Loss of vision (in case of posterior Uveitis).
Causes of Uveitis
Uveitis is considered an unknown cause. However, it has been associated with other disorders or diseases, such as infections or syndromes, mainly ocular. There is also the belief that it may be an autoimmune disease; that is, the affected person’s immune system is the one that is causing the problem by attacking the affected part of the eye. Some of the possible causes of Uveitis include:
- Psoriasis.
- Arthritis.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
For infectious causes:
- PAGE.
- Herpes zoster.
- Retinitis (as a result of a cytomegalovirus infection).
- Histoplasmosis.
- Toxoplasmosis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Syphilis.
Exposure to toxins or lesions in the area can also cause Uveitis.
Treatment of Uveitis
Uveitis is a condition that can leave repercussions on the affected person’s eye, for example, the presence of scars; that is why if you have Uveitis or if you suspect it, it is necessary to go to the ophthalmologist to be in charge of evaluating, diagnose and indicate the treatment and protocol to follow.
The primary treatment consists of reducing inflammation and pain, for which the specialist may indicate the application of eye drops, especially those containing corticosteroids and pupil dilators, to relieve symptoms.
If Uveitis appears due to an infection, the oral or intravenous application of antibiotics is recommended, always under the prescription of a specialist. The time of application of the same can be variable, from two weeks to ten, depending on the severity and the disease.
In some cases, it may be necessary to apply corticosteroids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, directly to the eye through eye drops. This is done especially when floating spots appear in the vision, although it will depend on the severity and characteristics of each case.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Uveitis: symptoms, causes, and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Eyes and Vision category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.