Uveitis

Uveitis is a term used to describe an eye condition related to the inflammation of areas around the center of the eye. This area is known as the "uvea," but is also called the uveal layer, uveal coat, uveal tract, and vascular tunic. The uveal vessels give blood, gas, and nutrients to parts of the eye that are responsible for seeing. The uvea is made up of the iris, the membrane tissue choroid, and a ciliary body that connects the iris to the choroid.

Some symptoms of uveitis can be detected by the affected person and can occur fairly rapidly. These symptoms include red eye, eye irritation, blurry vision, pain, sensitivity or photophobia, and floaters. A person who has sudden and prolonged onset of these or any other eye related symptoms should contact their eye doctor immediately. A diagnosis of uveitis is complicated and several other eye illnesses can have similar symptoms.

Uveitis can be caused by several factors such as virus, fungus, bacteria, parasite, or any other eye related disease. There are four main types of uveitis: iritis, cyclitis, retinitis, and choroiditis.

Iritis is the most frequently occurring type of uveitis. Iritis is an inflammation of the iris. This type of uveitis is related with other diseases that affect the immune system. Iritis may last for several months.

Cyclitis is a type of uveitis that affects the central portion of the eye. Cyclitis may cause damage to the muscle tissue that move the various parts of the eye. Vision may be severely affected with cyclitis.

Retinitis is a uveitis that is characterized by an inflammation of the retina. Retinitis is often seen in males with AIDS, or other patients who have viral and immune system infections.

Choroiditis affects the thin layer beneath the retina. When this layer is inflamed it can cause uveitis of this sort. Choroiditis is often related to tuberculosis or other autoimmune disorder.

A person who is ill with a serious viral infection or autoimmune disorder should be aware of any eye related symptoms that occur. Only through careful examination by a licensed and experienced ophthalmologist can a correct diagnosis of uveitis occur. As uveitis can be related to other illnesses, your eye doctor will need to know a complete medical history.

Treatment for uveitis usually consists of steroidal eye drops or antibiotics. The treatments can last anywhere from one to several months before symptoms are alleviated. In all cases, it is wise to follow all pre and postoperative instructions that an eye doctor prescribes.