INTRAOCULAR INFLAMMATION & INFECTION

What is the Uvea?

Uvea is the middle layer of the eye situated between the retina and the sclera, the white layer of the eye. It extends from the back of the eye towards the front and includes the

Iris or coloured part of the eye,
choroid layer and
ciliary body.

It is richly supplied with blood vessels and provides blood supply to the retina and other parts of the eye.

What is Uveitis?

Inflammation of the uvea is called Uveitis.

It can occur at the back or front of the eye or may involve the whole uvea of the eye. Inflammation may also occur in the fluid present in the middle of the eye.

The most common type of Uveitis is iritis which is the inflammation of the iris.

What is the Cause of Uveitis?

The inflammation may be caused by infection of the eye. Some examples of infections are:

Microbial Keratitis
Herpes Simplex Virus
Genetic Disorders

The inflammation may also be associated with systemic conditions such as:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Psoriasis
Sarcoidosis
Multiple sclerosis
Systemic infection present in the body such as tuberculosis or syphilis

The inflammation may have no identifiable underlying cause.

What are the Symptoms of Uveitis?

Symptoms may include:

redness of the eye
pain
a blurring of vision
sensitivity to light

The symptoms may occur suddenly or may develop slowly over time. It may occur in one or both eyes.

How is Uveitis Treated?

Your ophthalmologist will examine your eye in detail and may advise treatment depending on the cause of the Uveitis. Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

A common treatment is eye drops that ease the inflammation. For most straightforward cases of non-infectious anterior Uveitis or iritis, are corticosteroid eye drops, prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.

If Uveitis is a result of an infection, antibiotics or antiviral medication may also be prescribed.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent loss of vision due to Uveitis. Without treatment, there can be permanent adverse effects on the eye.