Uveitis

Uvetis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea). Nevertheless, uveitis is not limited  to the uvea. These diseases also affect the lens, retina, optic nerve, and vitreous, producing  reduced vision or blindness. 

Uveitis may be caused by problems or diseases occurring in the eye or it can be part of an  inflammatory disease affecting other parts of the body. 

It can happen at all ages and primarily affects people between 20-60 years old. 

Uveitis can last for a short (acute) or a long (chronic) time. The severest forms of Uveitis reoccur  many times. 

The most common type is an inflammation of the iris called Iritis (anterior Uveitis). Symptoms include: 

✔ redness, pain,  

✔ light sensitivity,  

✔ blurred vision, and  

✔ dark floating spots in the field of vision. 

A common treatment is eye drops that ease the inflammation. If Uveitis is a result of an infection,  antibiotics or antiviral medication may be prescribed.

What causes Uveitis? 

Uveitis is caused by inflammatory responses inside the eye. 

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to tissue damage, germs, or toxins. It produces  swelling, redness, heat, and destroys tissues as certain white blood cells rush to the affected part  of the body to contain or eliminate the insult. 

Uveitis may be caused by: 

An attack from the body’s own immune system (autoimmunity) 

Infections or tumors occurring within the eye or in other parts of the body ∙ Bruises to the eye 

Toxins that may penetrate the eye 

In many cases the cause is unknown. 

How will my eye doctor check for Uveitis? 

The experts at Kumar Eye Institute will diagnose Uveitis by conducting a thorough examination  and the recording of the patient’s complete medical history. Laboratory tests may be done to  rule out an infection or an autoimmune disorder. 

A central nervous system evaluation will often be performed on patients with a subgroup of  intermediate Uveitis, called pars Planitis, to determine whether they have multiple sclerosis which  is often associated with pars Planitis. 

The eye exams used include: 

An Eye Chart or Visual Acuity Test. This test measures whether a patient’s vision  has decreased. 

A Funduscopic Exam. The pupil is widened (dilated) with eye drops and then a light is  shown through with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope to noninvasively inspect  the back, inside part of the eye. 

Ocular Pressure. An instrument, such a Tonometer or a Tonopen, measures the pressure inside the eye. Drops that numb the eye may be used for this test. 

A Slit Lamp Exam. A slit lamp noninvasively inspects much of the eye. It can inspect the  front and back parts of the eye and some lamps may be equipped with a Tonometer to  measure eye pressure. A dye called Fluorescein, which makes blood vessels easier to  see, may be added to the eye during the examination. The dye only temporarily stains  the eye.