Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye known as the uvea. The uvea includes the iris (the colored ring around the pupil), the ciliary body (which produces aqueous humor), and the sclera (the thick white tissue that protects the eyeball).

Symptoms of uveitis include eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, redness, and swelling of the eye. If left untreated, uveitis can seriously damage vision and even cause blindness.

Treatment of uveitis depends on the underlying cause and may include medications to reduce inflammation, antibiotic or antiviral therapy, or immunosuppression. It is important that uveitis is diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to prevent serious complications and preserve visual function.

It can be caused by autoimmune disorders. These diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. It can also be caused by infections such as: Cytomegalovirus retinitis, Herpes zoster infection, Histoplasmosis, Kawasaki disease, Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, Tuberculosis, or by exposure to toxins. In many cases, the cause is unknown.

Often the inflammation is limited to only part of the uvea. The most common form of uveitis involves inflammation of the iris, at the front of the eye. In this case, the condition is called iritis. In most cases, it occurs in healthy people. This disorder may affect only one eye. It is more common in young and middle-aged people.