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What is Uveitis?

Uveitis
Introduction 
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:
Uveitis can be divided further by the following:
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. 

 

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: 
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:
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:
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?

 

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. 

 

References 
  1. What Is Uveitis? (2021, November 22). American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-uveitis
  2. Cafasso, J. (2018, September 17). Uveitis. Healthline. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/uveitis
  3. 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 Associates Drs. 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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