What Is Uveitis- Learn About Causes Of Uveitis, Symptoms And Cure

Uveitis- An Overview

Uvea or the uveal tract is the middle layer of the eye that is situated between the sclera and the retina which supplies most of the blood to the retina. The uvea includes the iris, the choroid of the eye, and the ciliary body. The state of inflammation or the irritation and swelling up of the uvea is known as uveitis.

There are several kinds of Uveitis- Anterior Uveitis, Intermediate Uveitis, Posterior Uveitis and Panuveitic Forms. The extremely common type of Uveitis that is seen is Anterior Uveitis. As the front or the anterior region of the eye, known as the iris becomes prone to inflammation, this condition is called Uveitis and also Iritis.

Causes of Uveitis

Statistics present that around 10% of the blindness in USA is as a result of Uveitis. Uveitis is commonly identified in young and middle aged individuals. Uveitis can be caused by a number of causes like autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, infections or exposure to toxins. Blindness can arise if uveitis is left untreated. There are several other causes for Uveitis such as diseases that can damage the immunity system of our body such as tuberculosis, AIDS, Syphilis, Herpes etc, Cancers like Lymphoma and critical injuries to the eye also lead to Uveitis.

Symptoms of Uveitis

Mostly all the symptoms of Uveitis are related with eventual loss of vision. Hazy and blurred eyesight, severe pain in the eye, photosensitivity or sensitivity to light, Blood shot eyes, constriction of pupils and alterations in the color of the eye are the main symptoms of uveitis and Iritis. However it is crucial to observe that the children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis normally don’t tend to have any Uveitis signs or symptoms until vision loss occurs.

Uveitis Treatments

Treatment for Iritis is pretty simple in the events of slight implications. The patient will be prescribed eye drops or steroid drops to restrain the immune system, these drops also help in dilating the pupils and bringing down the muscular spasms to manage pain to certain level. The patient will be expected to wear dark glasses for the safety of the eye. Oral steroids may also be prescribed as a treatment alternative for uveitis. If Uveitis is brought about because of some body infection, strong anti-inflammatory medications called corticosteroids and antibiotics may be prescribed to the patients.

It is essential that you hurry without delay to an ophthalmologist who is focused in treating uveitis. It is also vital to go for frequent eye checkups to safeguard and prevent your eyes from uveitis attacks.