Uveitis            Importance of Uveitis Types of Uveitis       Symptoms of Uveitis Causes of Uveitis     Treatment of Uveitis

















What is meant by Uvea?
This is the middle layer of the eye, comprised of Iris, Ciliary body and Choroid. It is a vascular layer that nourishes the eye with nutrients.

Why it is called so?
Uvea in Greek means "Grape". The deep purple color of the Choroid is giving the eye a grape like appearance, hence the name.

What is Uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea or in other words it is swelling of internal eye structures

 What is the importance of Uveitis?
Disease of the uvea affects nutrition of vital structures: the cornea, lens, retina and vitreous, thus causing a breakdown in the function of these structures. Uveitis may be sight threatening and more serious than other common eye disorders.

 Are there different types of Uveitis?
There are different types of Uveitis depending on which part of the eye is affected, depending upon the cause etc (may get recurrence in most of the types of uveitis)

What are the symptoms of Uveitis?
  • Light Sensitivity
  • Blurring of Vision
  • Pain
  • Floaters
  • Redness
 What are the common causes of Uveitis?
  • Infections

    • Tuberculosis., Syphilis, Leprosy, Toxoplasmosis, Leptospirosis, Viral (including HIV), Fungal infections, etc.,

  • Inflammations (Auto immune disease)

    • VKH Syndrome, Ankylosing spondylitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Behcet's syndrome, sarcoidosis, etc.,

  • Masquerade Syndromes

    • Intraocular tumors, Systemic Malignancies

  • Trauma or injury to the eye

  • Idiopathic Uveitis-unknown causes

How does one diagnose Uveitis?

When symptoms occur a careful history and examination of the eye and the whole body is extremely important, and needs to be aided by tailored investigations to arrive at a diagnosis.
Since uveitis can be associated with disease in other parts of the body, your ophthalmologist will want to know about your overall health. Inflammation will affect sight, and can lead to blindness, if left treated.

How is Uveitis treated?
It depends upon the cause. However immediate and adequate treatment is the secret of success. Treatment varies from homatropine ( mydriatics), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids to specific antibiotics. Immunosuppressive agents are warranted in vision threatening auto immune uveitis.

Why is follow-up more important in uveitis?
Regular follow-up is must in uveitis, as it can be a vision threatening entity. The treatment includes stronger drugs, and so careful follow up is mandatory to avoid iatrogenic complications.