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Medically reviewed by Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD, Harvard Medical School | Henry Ford Hospital - Detroit, MI on July 14th, 2023.
Key Takeaways
- The uvea comprises three parts—iris, ciliary body, and choroid—with anterior inflammation (affecting the iris) accounting for 75% of cases and typically having the best prognosis.
- Symptoms often appear suddenly with severe eye pain, photophobia so intense that patients avoid bright lights, and vision that can drop from 20/20 to 20/200 within days if untreated.
- Autoimmune conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, Behçet's disease, and sarcoidosis cause roughly 50% of chronic cases, while infections account for about 15% of all instances.
- First-line treatment involves prednisolone acetate 1% drops every 1-2 hours initially, with most acute cases responding within 6-8 weeks when started promptly.
- Complications include cataracts in 50-90% of chronic cases, glaucoma in 20%, and permanent vision loss in 10-15% of patients despite treatment, making early intervention critical.
Uveitis is a term used to describe various eye conditions that cause inflammation and swelling, potentially leading to vision loss or even blindness if left untreated. The inflammation usually affects the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
Types of Uveitis
There are different types of uveitis, depending on which part of the eye is affected:
Anterior uveitis: Affects the front of the eye and is the most common type
Intermediate uveitis: Affects the ciliary body
Posterior uveitis: Affects the back of the eye
Panuveitis: Occurs when the entire uvea is inflamed
Causes of Uveitis
Uveitis can be caused by various factors, including:
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, or multiple sclerosis
Infections, like herpes zoster, syphilis, or tuberculosis
Eye injuries or bruises
Toxic substances entering the eye
Tumors in the eye or other parts of the body
Some people may be at a higher risk of developing uveitis, including those with certain gene combinations, smokers, and individuals with specific diseases like AIDS, psoriasis, or ulcerative colitis.
Symptoms of Uveitis
Uveitis symptoms can affect one or both eyes and may appear suddenly or gradually. Common warning signs include:
Eye redness
Pain
Blurry or reduced vision
Sensitivity to light
Floaters (tiny dots or specks in your vision)
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult your eye doctor promptly for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Diagnosing Uveitis
To diagnose uveitis, your eye doctor will review your medical history and overall health, as uveitis can be linked to other diseases. They may order blood tests, skin tests, or X-rays, in addition to conducting a comprehensive eye exam.
Treatment Options for Uveitis
Treatment for uveitis typically begins with eye drops containing corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Dilating eye drops may also be prescribed to prevent scarring and relax eye muscles. If eye drops are ineffective, your doctor may recommend oral medications or injections.
In cases where an infection is causing uveitis, antibiotics or antiviral drugs may be prescribed. For severe or unresponsive cases, stronger medications like immunosuppressives may be used in combination with corticosteroids. In some instances, an implantable device that slowly releases medication or a procedure to remove some of the vitreous (gel-like substance) in the eye may be recommended.
Adhering to your treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments with your doctor are essential for preventing serious complications and preserving your vision. Always report any new symptoms to your healthcare provider.
For more information on uveitis, visit:
The Bottom Line
This sight-threatening condition requires immediate ophthalmologic care since delayed treatment beyond 24-48 hours significantly increases the risk of permanent complications. Starting anti-inflammatory therapy within the first few days typically prevents vision loss and reduces the likelihood of chronic recurrence. If you're experiencing sudden eye pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes, Doctronic can help you quickly determine if you need urgent eye care.
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