Uveitis Specialist

What is uveitis?

Uveitis is the inflammation of the middle tissue layer in the eyewall, called the uvea. Three main components make up the uvea: the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. Its job is to provide blood flow to the deeper layers of your retina. 

There are four types of uveitis:

Iritis

Iritis, also called anterior uveitis, which is the most common type of uveitis, affects the front part of your eye.

Cyclitis

Cyclitis, or intermediate uveitis, is the inflammation of the ciliary body.

Choroiditis and retinitis

Choroiditis and retinitis, also known as posterior uveitis, is the inflammation of the back of the eye.

Diffuse uveitis

Diffuse uveitis, or panuveitis, is the inflammation of every layer of the uvea.

Along with the particular parts of the uvea that they affect, every variety of uveitis can inflame the vitreous humor, which is a jelly-like material found in the center of your eye that helps the eye hold its shape and transmits light to the retina.

What are the symptoms of uveitis?

Uveitis symptoms often appear seemingly out of the blue, and progress rapidly. They can, however, also come on gradually. Such symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Decreased vision
• Eye pain and light sensitivity
• Eye redness
• The appearance of dark, floating spots (floaters) in your field of vision

Without treatment, advanced uveitis can lead to complications such as:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Optic nerve damage
• Retinal detachment.
  
  

At its worst, uveitis can cause vision loss.

How do you treat uveitis?

To treat uveitis, your Suburban Eye Associates team focuses first on the cause of your uveitis. If your uveitis is the result of an underlying condition, like Crohn’s disease, they strive to treat your uveitis by treating your underlying condition. 

Otherwise, they focus on reducing your eye inflammation. The most common medications that the practice prescribes to treat uveitis include:

Anti-inflammatories

Your first line of defense against uveitis is typically prescription eye drops that contain a corticosteroid or another anti-inflammatory drug. If eye drops prove ineffective, your team may prescribe corticosteroid pills or a round of corticosteroid injections.

Antivirals or antibiotics

If your uveitis comes from a viral or bacterial infection, your team prescribes medication to fight the infection.

Immunosuppressants or cytotoxic drugs

If you have uveitis in both of your eyes, if your uveitis is threatening your vision, or if your uveitis doesn’t respond to corticosteroids, your team may prescribe immunosuppressants or cytotoxic drugs. These drugs affect the immune system and destroy cells, respectively.

If you experience any of the symptoms of uveitis, don’t procrastinate in scheduling an appointment to get it checked out. Book an appointment with Suburban Eye Associates by phone today.