Uveitis
What is uveitis? Information on the causes, symptoms, and most commonly used treatments for this condition, which can be caused by diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis.
Symptoms and Causes
Uveitis is an ocular disease caused by inflammation of the uvea, the layer of tissue located between the sclera (the white part of the eye) and the retina. Due to its location and the many blood vessels it contains, uveitis can severely damage other parts of the eye, such as the cornea or the retina. This is why early detection of uveitis is essential for treatment to be effective.
There are x types of uveitis depending on the affected part of the eye:
- Anterior uveitis or iritis: Affects the iris. It is the most common type and usually lasts for a short period.
- Intermediate uveitis or pars planitis: Inflammation occurs in the ciliary body, between the iris and the choroid.
- Posterior uveitis or choroiditis: Affects the retina and choroid. It can take months to resolve, making it more severe.
Some signs of uveitis may go unnoticed or be mistaken for minor problems (red eyes or blurred vision), delaying treatment. For this reason, regular eye check-ups are recommended, and any changes in eye health should prompt a medical consultation.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of uveitis include:
- Red eye
- Floaters
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
Causes
Uveitis is often caused by other diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Kawasaki disease, Crohn's disease, an ocular infection, or an immune disorder.
Risk Factors
Smoking has been associated with more severe and difficult-to-control cases of uveitis.
Another unavoidable risk factor is genetics. Certain genetic modifications have been linked to a predisposition to developing specific types of uveitis.
Additionally, having certain diseases can increase the risk of developing uveitis.
Complications
If uveitis is not treated promptly, does not respond adequately to medication, or persists for a prolonged period, it can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, neovascularization, macular edema, retinal detachment, or vision loss.
Prevention
Preventing uveitis is challenging. However, routine ophthalmologic check-ups, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are recommended.
Which Doctor Treats Uveitis?
Uveitis should be treated by an ophthalmologist. However, other specialists such as rheumatologists, internists, dermatologists, or gastroenterologists may be involved in managing the underlying diseases that cause uveitis as a symptom or complication.
Diagnosis
When uveitis is suspected based on the patient’s symptoms and medical or family history, specialists typically perform the following tests:
- Eye exam: To assess visual acuity and pupil response to light.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Used to examine the back of the eye and rule out conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.
- Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure.
- Slit-lamp examination: Used to evaluate all structures of the eye.
In some cases, additional tests may be required to determine if uveitis is caused by an underlying systemic disease affecting other organs.
Treatment
The treatment of uveitis focuses on reducing inflammation and discomfort. The most common approach is prescribing eye drops to decrease inflammation and control possible spasms. If an infection is present, antibiotics or antiviral medications are necessary.
Vitrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous humor, is less commonly required.
When uveitis is caused by another disease, treatment should primarily target the underlying condition.
