How Your Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye that contains the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Uveitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, autoimmune disorders, and trauma. Symptoms of uveitis can include pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Treatment for uveitis depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, surgery, or a combination of both.

Here are some of the things that can cause uveitis:

* Infections: Uveitis can be caused by a variety of infections, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Some of the most common infectious causes of uveitis include toxoplasmosis, herpes simplex virus, and syphilis.

* Autoimmune disorders: Uveitis can also be caused by autoimmune disorders, in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Some of the autoimmune disorders that can cause uveitis include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn's disease.

* Trauma: Uveitis can also be caused by trauma to the eye, such as a blow to the eye or a penetrating injury.

* Other causes: Uveitis can also be caused by a variety of other factors, including cancer, sarcoidosis, and Behcet's disease.

The symptoms of uveitis can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the inflammation. Some of the most common symptoms of uveitis include:

* Pain: Uveitis can cause pain in the eye, which can be mild or severe. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and it may worsen with bright light.

* Redness: Uveitis can cause the eye to become red and bloodshot. The redness may be mild or severe, and it may be accompanied by swelling.

* Light sensitivity: Uveitis can make the eye sensitive to light, which can make it difficult to see in bright conditions.

* Blurred vision: Uveitis can cause blurred vision, which can be mild or severe. The blurred vision may be constant or intermittent, and it may worsen with bright light.

* Other symptoms: Uveitis can also cause a variety of other symptoms, including floaters, flashes of light, and decreased night vision.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of uveitis, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. Uveitis can be a serious condition, and early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent permanent vision loss.

Treatment for uveitis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the inflammation. Some of the most common treatments for uveitis include:

* Medications: Medications can be used to reduce inflammation and pain. Some of the most common medications used to treat uveitis include corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and immunosuppressive drugs.

* Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to treat severe cases of uveitis. Some of the surgical procedures that may be used to treat uveitis include vitrectomy, trabeculectomy, and iridectomy.

* A combination of medications and surgery: In some cases, a combination of medications and surgery may be necessary to treat uveitis.

Uveitis is a serious condition, but it can be managed with proper treatment. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of uveitis, it is important to see an eye doctor right away.