Uvea inflammation is known as uveitis. Uvea is present between the layers of the sclera and the retina of the eye. Many blood vessels that nourish the eye are present in the uvea. Uvea inflammation can affect the sclera, the retina, the cornea and other parts of the eye.
As the uvea borders important eye parts, inflammation of the uvea layer can threaten sight seriously when compared to inflammation of the other layers of the eye.
Uvea inflammation is of three kinds: iritis, cyclitis and choroiditis.
If the inflammation of the uvea occurs in the iris, it is iritis. If the uvea inflammation occurs in the middle of the eye which involves ciliary body, it is cyclitis. If the uvea is inflamed affecting choroid, it is choroiditis.
Causes
There are many different causes for uveitis. It may be from a fungus (like histoplasmosis), a parasite (toxoplasmosis) or a virus (such as mumps, herpes or shingles). In most of the cases, the cause is not known.
Symptoms
Following are some of the symptoms which include:
- Blurring of vision
- Redness and pain of the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Uveitis may suddenly come with pain and redness, it may show slow onset with redness or little pain, but it gradually results in blurring of vision.
Treatment
- In order to reduce any loss of vision, prompt treatment is needed. Eye drops, especially pupil dilators and steroids are medications that are used to lower pain and inflammation.
- For deeper inflammation, injections or oral medications may be essential. Complications such as cataracts, formation of the new blood vessels or glaucoma also may require treatment. If these complications are advanced, laser surgery or conventional surgery may be necessary.
- Uveitis which occurs suddenly can be controlled by use of eye drops but if it is slower in onset and lasts longer, is often difficult to treat.
