Uveitis
About uveitis
Uveitis is a group of inflammatory diseases that produce swelling and destroys eye tissues. These diseases can slightly reduce vision or lead to severe vision loss.
The type of uveitis you have is classified by where inflammation occurs in the uvea. The diseases can also affect the lens, retina, optic nerve, and vitreous, producing reduced vision or blindness.
Uveitis can affect people of all ages and can last for a short or a long time. The severest forms of uveitis reoccur many times.
Symptoms include:
- Light sensitivity
- Decreased visual sharpness
- Eye pain
- Red eyes
- Dark floating spots
Uveitis has a range of causes, including fungal, viral and bacterial infections. But, in a lot of cases, the cause is unknown.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the type of uveitis you have and will aim to stop inflammation, alleviate pain, prevent further tissue damage, and restore any loss of vision.
The condition is commonly treated with a steroidal anti-inflammatory which may be in the form of eye drops, pills or an injection.
You may be required to undergo tests to rule out an infection or an autoimmune disorder.
Further information