Uveitis is a complex and serious eye condition that causes swelling in the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.
It can be a painful condition and results in redness, eye pain, and causes problems in vision.
The causes of Uveitis may range from infections to several underlying conditions, which may sometimes give rise to complications.
It is important to know about the treatment of Uveitis since it may lead to vision loss if left untreated.
You may also want to learn about the medications for Uveitis and the foods one can avoid to treat the condition.
This article will discuss each topic you need to know while exploring the eye condition Uveitis.
What is Uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the uvea, which is the clear middle layer of the eye.
The uvea consists of the iris (the colored part of the eye), ciliary body (which helps in focusing the lens), and choroid (which connects the retina to the sclera).
Since the uvea carries blood to the retina, its inflammation can cause several vision problems.
The treatment of Uveitis often needs to be prompt since leaving it untreated may even lead to blindness.
Although Uveitis can be treated quickly, in some cases, the condition may turn chronic and require long-term treatment.
Research states that Uveitis may affect one or both eyes in an individual.
Types of Uveitis
Source: Andrei310_from_Getty_ImagesThere are four main types of Uveitis, based on the affected part of the uvea.
These four types include Anterior Uveitis, Intermediate Uveitis, Posterior Uveitis, and Panuveitis.
Let us discuss more about these four types of Uveitis in detail.
Anterior Uveitis
Anterior Uveitis, also known as Iritis, refers to the inflammation of the iris and the front part of the uvea.
It is the most common type of Uveitis and is usually less serious in nature.
Anterior Uveitis may often show symptoms like redness, pain, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
To learn more about Anterior Uveitis, read our article on Anterior Uveitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.
Posterior Uveitis
Posterior Uveitis is the inflammation of the back part of the uvea, consisting of the retina and choroid.
This condition is usually severe in nature and may often threaten one’s vision.
Some of the other symptoms of Posterior Uveitis are blurred vision and even loss of peripheral vision.
To get detailed information about Posterior Uveitis, read Understanding Posterior Uveitis: Symptoms, Treatments, and More.
Intermediate Uveitis
Intermediate Uveitis is the swelling of the uvea from the middle, which affects the choroid and may extend up to the retina.
The symptoms of this eye condition include blurry vision and eye pain.
The symptoms of Intermediate Uveitis may last for a few weeks or many years.
The duration for which the symptoms last may vary depending on whether the condition of a person is getting better or worse.
To learn how long blurred vision lasts due to Uveitis, read How Long Does Blurred Vision Last With Uveitis: Unveiling The Facts.
Panuveitis
Panuveitis, or Diffuse Uveitis, is an inflammation that occurs throughout the entire uvea.
This type of Uveitis often affects other parts of the eyes like the lens, retina, optic nerve, and vitreous humor.
It can reduce one’s vision and even result in vision loss in a person.
What are Uveitis Symptoms
The symptoms of Uveitis may vary for every individual, depending on the affected part of the uvea.
Understanding the symptoms of Uveitis is important for its early diagnosis and treatment.
However, there are certain common symptoms of Uveitis, which include:
- Blurry vision
- Headaches
- Eye pain and redness
- Photophobia or sensitivity to light
- Floaters – dark spots or lines in the line of one’s vision
These symptoms may come on gradually, while some might experience them suddenly.
It is best to consult your eye doctor if you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
If you want to learn more about the symptoms of Uveitis, read 8 Uveitis Symptoms You Need to be Aware of.
Uveitis Causes
There are several causes of Uveitis, and they may range from infections to autoimmune factors.
Individuals can sometimes experience Uveitis due to eye trauma and using certain medications.
A study states that infectious Uveitis is one of the most common and serious causes of Uveitis in the US.
Individuals with infectious Uveitis often experience it due to the following causes:
- Viruses– Herpes Simplex, Varicella-zoster, Cytomegalovirus, and Rubella virus
- Bacteria– Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus
- Parasites like Toxoplasma Gondii
- Fungi of the Candida species
These microbes can lead to infections like Tuberculosis, Herpes, and Syphilis, resulting in Uveitis.
People can also experience Uveitis due to autoimmune factors like:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (caused by the HLA-B27 gene)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Behçet’s Disease
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
These factors are autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions that can damage one’s vision if it leads to Uveitis.
About 90% of Anterior Uveitis is caused due to trauma to the eyes, which includes blunt force or injuries.
The drug-related Uveitis is caused due to medications like Cidofovir, Cobalt, Diethylcarbamazepine, and Pamidronic acid.
Are you looking for a detailed guide to the causes of Uveitis? Read Uncovering Uveitis Causes: From Infections to Autoimmune Factors.
Uveitis Treatment
Source: stock_colors_from_Getty_ImagesThe treatment of Uveitis mainly focuses on reducing inflammation and managing the underlying causes.
Doctors might suggest medications, surgeries, and supportive therapies based on the severity of one’s condition.
The surgical procedure usually includes Vitrectomy and retinal therapy, which can help treat non-infectious Uveitis.
The supportive therapies include regular eye checkups, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly.
Avoiding certain foods while treating Uveitis may also help in treating the condition.
This section will discuss the Uveitis medications and the foods one should avoid with Uveitis.
Uveitis Medication
Doctors may often suggest Steroids to reduce the inflammation due to Uveitis.
Antivirals and antibiotic eye drops have proven beneficial in treating infectious Uveitis.
People facing Uveitis due to autoimmune diseases may benefit from using immunosuppressive medications.
Medical experts often suggest immunosuppressive medicines like Methotrexate, Azathioprine, or Mycophenolate Mofetil.
If you want to learn about Uveitis medications in detail, read our article Understanding Uveitis Medication Treatment.
Foods to Avoid with Uveitis
Although maintaining one’s diet does not treat Uveitis, avoiding foods that can cause inflammation might be beneficial.
A person can avoid eating excessive sugar and processed food, which can increase inflammation.
Individuals can maintain a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin A to help with the symptoms.
In order to learn about the foods you should avoid with Uveitis in detail, read Foods to Avoid with Uveitis: Your Guide to Managing Inflammation.
Comparing Uveitis with Other Eye Conditions
People often confuse Uveitis with common eye conditions like Glaucoma, Keratitis, and Conjunctivitis (pink eye).
While Glaucoma can cause high eye pressure, leading to eye pain, it is not infectious or caused by autoimmune diseases, unlike Uveitis.
In ‘Keratitis vs Uveitis,’ Keratitis usually affects the cornea while Uveitis affects the uvea.
People often spark the debate on ‘Uveitis vs Conjunctivitis’ since both can be caused by infections.
However, Conjunctivitis does not threaten one’s vision, unlike Uveitis, which can even lead to blindness.
Each of these conditions has its own treatments, which makes it important for one to consult their doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Conclusion
Uveitis is a serious eye condition that can affect the uvea and even lead to blindness if it remains untreated.
It is usually of four types, which include Anterior Uveitis, Posterior Uveitis, Intermediate Uveitis, and Panuveitis.
The symptoms of the condition are redness, eye pain, blurry vision, and photophobia.
However, the causes can be infections, autoimmune diseases, and trauma and drug-related issues.
Doctors usually suggest antivirals, antibiotics, steroids, and immunosuppressive medicines for the treatment.
Individuals can also avoid foods that can increase inflammation and include antioxidants and Vitamin A in their diet.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of Uveitis, it is best to consult your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the precautions that may prevent Uveitis?
Individuals can go for regular eye checkups and avoid using contact lenses. Maintaining proper ocular hygiene and managing one’s autoimmune diseases can help a person prevent Uveitis.
What are the complications that come with Uveitis if it is left untreated?
According to a study, the complications that come with Uveitis if it is left untreated are Glaucoma, Cataracts, detached retina, Macular Edema (swelling of the retina), and scarred tissues.
How do eye specialists diagnose Uveitis?
Eye specialists usually diagnose Uveitis using dilated eye examination. They may give eye drops to dilate your pupil and check for Uveitis. In some cases, they may require extra blood tests and imaging.
Is Uveitis headache common among the affected individuals?
No, Uveitis headache is not common among the affected individuals. Headaches are not a usual symptom of the condition but may often result from eye pain and sensitivity to light.
How long does blurred vision last with Uveitis?
The duration of the blurred vision due to Uveitis varies depending on its type and severity. While some people might only experience it for a few days or weeks, others with chronic or untreated Uveitis may experience it for months and may even result in blindness.
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