Uveitis (Inflammation of the Eye)
Introduction
Uveitis
(pronounced you-vee-EYE-tis) involves all inflammatory processes
of the middle layers of the eye, also called the uveal tract or
uvea. The uvea includes the iris (colored part of the eye),
choroid (a thin membrane containing many blood vessels) and
ciliary body (the part of the eye that joins these together).
The uvea is very important because its many veins and
arteries transport blood to the parts of the eye that are
critical for vision.
Learn more about the structures that make up the eye in the
article titled " The Amazing Human Eye ."
What Are the Symptoms of Uveitis?
Symptoms of uveitis may include:
- Eye redness and irritation
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Floating spots before the eyes
Uveitis may develop rapidly, and it is very important that you
see your ophthalmologist for a complete eye examination if you
develop these symptoms, especially if a painful, red eye does
not clear up quickly.
Left untreated, uveitis may permanently damage your vision.
What Causes Uveitis?
Uveitis has many potential causes, including infection with a
virus, fungus, bacteria or parasite, inflammatory disease
affecting other parts of the body, or injury to the eye.
There are four types of uveitis:
- Iritis is the most common form of uveitis. It
affects the iris and is often associated with autoimmune
disorders such as
rheumatoid arthritis. Iritis may develop suddenly and
may last up to eight weeks, even with treatment.
- Cyclitis is an inflammation of the middle portion
of the eye and may affect the muscle that focuses the lens.
This also may develop suddenly and last several months.
- Retinitis affects the back of the eye. It may be
rapidly progressive, making it difficult to treat. Retinitis
may be caused by viruses such as
shingles or herpes and bacterial infections such as
syphilis or
toxoplasmosis.
- Choroiditis is an inflammation of the layer
beneath the retina. It may also be caused by an infection
such as
tuberculosis.
Retinitis and choroiditis can each be caused by an autoimmune
disease such as rheumatoid
arthritis or
lupus. In a large number of cases, the cause of
uveitis is not known, but it is often related to
stress.
Next: How is uveitis diagnosed? »
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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