Uveitis is a term for any inflammation of the eye’s uvea. That’s the middle layer of the eye, in-between the elements we can see from the outside, and the retina in the back.
Uveitis can be a symptom of several different ocular diseases, but in almost every case, it’s a serious situation which could permanently damage your vision. If you suspect you have uveitis, you definitely need to visit your local Phoenix optometrist for a checkup!
The Symptoms of Uveitis
The initial symptoms of uveitis are similar to many other eye infections. They include:
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Red eyes
- Eye pain
In addition, some people report increased ‘floaters’ in their vision, although this depends on how many floaters they have normally.
Generally speaking, if you have red eyes and eye pain, you should always see an eye doctor ASAP.
What Causes Uveitis?
Unfortunately, science is still investigating all the various causes of uveitis, so a single cause cannot be pinned down yet. However it is associated with, or a symptom of, a number of other conditions.
- Eye infections, such as retinitis or histoplasmosis, a fungal infection
- Auto-immune disorders, such as AIDS, lupus, or MS
- Cancers that attack the eye, such as lymphoma
- Other diseases, including shingles, syphilis, and arthritis
In other cases, uveitis seems to come and go on its own, without a clear underlying cause.
How Is Uveitis Treated?
In many cases, the treatment for uveitis is simply to treat the underlying cause, if possible. For situations such as bacterial or fungal infections, where uveitis is a symptom, the infection must be cured.
If uveitis needs to be treated directly, or to reduce symptoms, it’s most often treated with anti-inflammatory steroids. They’re usually delivered as eyedrops, although pill-based medications are also an option.
For more serious cases, it may be necessary to inject steroids directly into the eye area for fast action. Or, for rare chronic cases, it’s even possible to implant a tiny machine into the eye that delivers regular doses of steroids which reduce inflammation.
Basically, treatment will vary depending on a number of factors. It may even require coordination between your optometrist and other specialists, such as oncologists.
Don’t Ignore Eye Pain!
The true takeaway here is that any inflammation of the eye is potentially a danger to your vision, especially if it has accompanying redness and pain. Don’t ignore these symptoms, if you have them. Contact Valley Eyecare Center in Phoenix for a checkup!
