Uveitis corresponds to inflammation of the uvea, which is part of the eye formed by the iris, ciliary and choroidal body, which results in symptoms such as red eye, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.
Uveitis can be classified into anterior, posterior, intermediate and diffuse, or panuveitis, according to the region of the affected eye and must be treated quickly, as it can lead to complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, progressive loss of vision and blindness.
Main symptoms
Uveitis usually causes symptoms similar to conjunctivitis, and signs such as red eyes, pain, sensitivity to light, blurred and blurred vision are common. Check out the main symptoms of conjunctivitis to try to differentiate it from uveitis.
In addition, small spots can appear that blur the vision and change places according to the movement of the eyes and the intensity of the light in the place, being called floaters.
When the symptoms of uveitis last for a few weeks or a few months and then disappear, the condition is classified as acute, however, when the symptoms continue for several months or years and there is no complete disappearance of the symptoms, it is classified as chronic uveitis.
Also know the main causes of redness in the eyes.
Possible causes
Uveitis is one of the symptoms of several systemic or autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis and Behçet's disease, for example. In addition, it can happen due to infectious diseases, such as toxoplasmosis, syphilis, AIDS, leprosy and onchocerciasis.
Uveitis can also be a consequence of metastases or tumors in the eyes, and it can happen due to the presence of foreign bodies in the eye, lacerations in the cornea, eye perforation and burns by heat or chemicals.
The diagnosis of the disease is made based on the patient's life history, ophthalmological exams and other clinical and blood tests in order to identify the disease responsible for uveitis.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of uveitis aims to relieve symptoms and is done according to the cause, which may include the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops, corticosteroid pills or antibiotics, for example. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
Uveitis is curable, especially when identified in the early stages, but it may also be necessary to perform treatment at the hospital so that the patient receives the medication directly into the vein. After treatment, it is necessary that the person undergo routine examinations every 6 months to 1 years in order to monitor eye health.
