The inflammation of any component of the uveal tract is called uveitis. Under most circumstances, it is due to idiopathic causes. Anterior uveitis cases often present acutely. Posterior uveitis cases may be associated with preventable blindness.
The incidence of uveitis in the USA is 25-52 cases per 1,000,000 population. It affects both males and females equally. Early diagnosis and management lend to a good prognosis. Delayed treatment may result in blindness.
Types of uveitis 1
The anatomical division of uveitis is as follows:
Anterior uveitis
IritiIt is the most common type
Generally occurs in healthy people
It can affect one or both eyes
Usually less severe
Intermediate uveitis
Includes vitritis, hyalitis and pars planitis
Posterior uveitis
Includes choroiditis, chorioretinitis, and retinitis
It is the least common type
Posterior uveitis is generally a more serious form
Usually occurs in the setting of underlying autoimmune disease
Panuveitis
Inflammation of all chambers of the uveal tract
Uveitis can be divided further by the following:
Onset
Sudden vs progressive
Duration
Limited vs persistent
Clinical course
Acute vs recurrent vs chronic
Involvement
Unilateral vs bilateral
What are the causes of uveitis? 1,2
In healthy individuals, causes are usually unknown. In other cases, uveitis may occur in the setting of trauma, autoimmune diseases or infections.
Infectious Causes
AIDS
Herpes virus
Cytomegalovirus
Syphilis
Toxoplasmosis
Systemic autoimmune diseases
Sarcoidosis
Lupus
Behcet disease
Crohn's disease
Ulcerative colitis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Trauma
Trauma is thought to be a combination of bacterial and inflammatory components. Accumulation of necrotic debris due to trauma leads to inflammation.
What are the signs and symptoms of uveitis?
The presentation of uveitis may differ from patient to patient and depends in part on the duration of the disease. Chronic cases may present with mild redness and subtle symptoms only. The following signs and symptoms may be present:
Eye pain
Blurry vision
Eye redness
Sensitivity to light
Floaters
Tearing
May be asymptomatic
How is Uveitis diagnosed? 3
As described earlier most cases are idiopathic, and a thorough history to rule out the systemic causes is necessary. An ophthalmologist will go through the following steps before reaching a certain diagnosis:
History
Examination
Lids and external examination
Visual acuity
Intraocular pressure
Extraocular movement
Pupillary examination
Slit-lamp examination
Anterior chamber and dilated examination
An ophthalmologist may advise the following laboratory workup depending on the findings:
Complete blood count
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ANA
VDRL
HLA testing
Urinalysis
Viral markers
What is the treatment of uveitis? 3
There is no standard treatment for uveitis, rather each patient is treated individually based on their presentation. A systematic approach is adopted to manage the disease. If the underlying cause is an autoimmune disease then immunosuppressive agents are prescribed, often by a rheumatologist. The target of medical therapy is to control pain and inflammation, especially in the acute phase. The following medications may be prescribed:
Cycloplegics
To reduce pain and sensitivity to light
Anti Inflammatory drugs
NSAIDs
Corticosteroids
Topical steroid drops have been standard for uveitis for decades.
The only drug approved by the FDA for uveitis.
Acute cases are usually monitored with a slit lamp for examination and intraocular pressure readings for the first two weeks. If the condition is stable then drugs are tapered and the patient is called for follow-up every 1 to 6 months.
There are also sustained release devices/implants which are available for chronic/persistent cases and should be managed by an ophthalmologist.
What are the possible complications of Uveitis?
Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Cataracts formation
Blindness
If you have signs or symptoms of uveitis, or a history of uveitis or autoimmune disease, contact Eye Surgeons Associates to set up a visit.
Muchatuta, M. N., MD. (2021, December 16). Iritis and Uveitis: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology. Medscape. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/798323-overview
Author
Eye Surgeons AssociatesDrs. Zuhair H. Peracha, Manal H. Peracha-Riyaz, Eric Zuckerman, Matthew Pieters, and Leila Siblani are dedicated to excellence in eye care and service. We utilize the latest treatment methods and procedures, including routine eye care, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, retinal disease management, diabetic eye treatment, and eyelid surgery.
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