Our eyes are our windows to the world. They are also quite intricate and susceptible to complications. Uveitis is a term for a group of inflammatory diseases that affect mainly the middle part of your eye, called the uvea. Uveitis can cause serious harm to eye tissue, so it’s crucial to see an ophthalmologist at the first sign of a problem.
At the office of The Retina Partners, we will examine your eyes and provide you with excellent treatment—the kind of exceptional care for which we’re known.
The uvea encompasses the structures of the eye beneath the white of the eye (sclera). Its trio of elements are the iris (the colored part of the eye), the ciliary body (it secretes the translucent liquid within the front of the eye) and the choroid (the layer of blood vessels between the sclera and the retina).
The origins of uveitis can be a bruise or diseases such as arthritis, tuberculosis, AIDS, syphilis and multiple sclerosis. In some instances, its cause is unknown. Left untreated, uveitis can bring on debilitating eye issues, including loss of sight, glaucoma, cataracts, impairment to the optic nerve and detachment of the retina (a slender tissue that lines the back of the eye). People of all ages can get it, but it’s more likely in adults.
The initial symptoms of uveitis come on quickly. They include blurred vision, eye pain, redness, a whitish spot on the lower part of your eye, floaters and light sensitivity.
There are four types of uveitis: anterior (in the front of your eye), intermediate (in the middle), posterior (in the back) and panuveitis (the whole eye). The last three are more serious.
Some medications can stop some types of uveitis from returning, but prevention is complicated because its cause is unclear. An ophthalmologist could discover the disease that’s causing it. Then, treating that disease may dial down uveitis. Anti-inflammatory medicines are often the first step.
At the office of The Retina Partners, we treat every eye need—from routine checkups to complicated issues. We love building strong and longtime relationships with our patients, and we look forward to meeting you. Please call us for an appointment!
