Condition
Uveitis
What is uveitis?
Inflammation inside of the eye. Controlling the inflammation is important to prevent further problems such as corneal scarring, cataract, glaucoma, and retinal scarring.
What are the types of uveitis?
- Anterior uveitis - inflammation that affects the front part of the eye (anterior chamber)
- Intermediate uveitis - inflammation that affects middle part of the eye (pars plana)
- Posterior uveitis - inflammation that affects the back part of the eye (chorioretinitis)
What are the causes of uveitis?
- Autoimmune diseases
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - one of the most common causes of uveitis in children
- Sarcoidosis
- Tubular interstitial nephritis and uveitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- Infection
What are the symptoms of uveitis?
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
- Light sensitivity
- Decreased/blurry vision
How is uveitis diagnosed?
A complete history and eye examination.
What is the treatment for uveitis?
- Eye drops - steroid eye drops will likely be prescribed by your physician. The steroid eye drops will needed to weaned as long-term steroids can cause cataracts and glaucoma. In addition, a dilating eye drop may be recommended to help decrease scarring inside the eye.
- Systemic (oral, subcutaneous, or intravenous) anti-inflammatories - In autoimmune diseases, a systemic anti-inflammatory medication such as methotrexate, adalimumab, or infliximab may be recommended.
- Surgery - surgery may be needed to treat complications from uveitis such as cataract, glaucoma, and band keratopathy (calcium build up on the cornea).
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