Uveitis - Swelling Inside The Eye

What Causes Uveitis?

*Unknown - the most common type, often autoimmune. Referred to as "idiopathic".

• Associated medical conditions: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease.
• Infection: virus (e.g., herpes), fungus (e.g., histoplasmosis)
• Parasite: toxoplasmosis
• Autoimmune Disease: immune system attacks body's own tissue
• Eye trauma

Different Types of Uveitis

1. Anterior Uveitis

Affects the front of the eye, normally the iris (iritis) or ciliary body (iridocyclitis).

2. Intermediate Uveitis

Affects the middle of the eye, ciliary body (cyclitis) or pars plana (pars planitis).

3. Posterior Uveitis

Affects the back of the eye, the choroid (choroiditis), retina (retinitis), or retinal vessels (vasculitis).

Symptoms:

• Redness of the eye
• Pain
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Blurring of vision and/or floaters

Examination and Tests:

Multiple tests are performed to determine the exact type and cause of uveitis for appropriate treatment.

Treatment

Treatment aims to:

1. Relieve pain and photophobia
2. Prevent sight loss
3. Treat the underlying cause
4. Reduce inflammation
5. Use cycloplegic eye drops to relax iris and ciliary body muscles

Corticosteroids are often the mainstay of treatment.

Steroids & NSAIDS in drops, injections, or tablets may be used. Side effects: raised eye pressure, glaucoma, cataract.

Azathioprim / Cyclosporin tablets may reduce steroid dosage if side effects occur.

Duration

The condition may last years, with variable severity, remissions, and relapses. Aim: monitor and treat inflammation to minimize damage.

Uveitis Clinic

Specialized care for preserving sight:

1. Specialist care with FFA and spectral OCT
2. Regular follow-up to prevent vision loss
3. Dedicated pathology lab for uveitis patients
4. Record images and maintain patient records for comparison