Causes
Uveitis is an inflammation inside the eye, affecting the uvea. The uvea provides most of the blood supply to the retina. Causes of uveitis can include autoimmune disorders , infection, or exposure to toxins. However, in many cases the cause remains unknown.
The most common form of uveitis is anterior uveitis, which involves inflammation in the front part of the eye. This form of uveitis is usually limited to the iris. Therefore, this condition is often called iritis (inflammation of the iris). The inflammation may be associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis , but most cases occur in healthy people and do not indicate an underlying disease. The disorder may affect only one eye and is most common in young and middle-aged people. A history of an autoimmune disease is a risk factor.
Pars planitis is inflammation of the pars plana, a narrow area between the iris and the choroid. Pars planitis usually occurs in young men and is generally not associated with any other disease. However, there have been a few case ...
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Treatment
Iritis is usually mild. Pain caused by spasm of the pupil constriction muscle is relieved by drops to dilate the pupil. Dark glasses may be helpful. Steroid eye drops or ointment may be needed. More severe cases require a search for an underlying cause.
Pars planitis is often treated with steroid eye drops, but may be treated with oral steroids or another type of medication to suppress the immune system.
Choroiditis requires determination of the underlying cause, and treatment of the underlying disease. The underlying disease may be serious. Additional specialists in infectious disease or autoimmunity may be needed for such diseases as syphilis, tuberculosis, AIDS, sarcoidosis, or Behcet's syndrome.
For systemic infectious diseases, corticosteroids are often used along with antibiotic therapy. For autoimmune diseases, various forms ...
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Other Names
Iritis; Pars planitis; Choroiditis; Chorioretinitis; Anterior uveitis; Posterior uveitis
Outlook (Prognosis)
In anterior uveitis, most attacks last from a few days to weeks with treatment, but relapses are common. In posterior uveitis, the inflammation may last from months to years and may cause permanent vision damage, even with treatment.
Prevention
Treating any underlying disorders may help to prevent uveitis for some people with existing systemic diseases.
Exams and Tests
A complete medical history and eye examination should be performed. If there is suspicion of an associated systemic disease, a physical examination and laboratory tests may be needed to look for underlying causes.
