Uveitis is a complex and potentially serious type of inflammation of the uvea — the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Uveitis is not well known to many people, but it’s not uncommon and it can cause all manner of distressing symptoms, including eye redness, pain, sensitivity to light and blurred vision. Sometimes, these symptoms appear suddenly and get worse quickly, making timely diagnosis and treatment important.
This inflammatory eye disease, which can strike anyone from children to the elderly, can cause permanent vision loss if it is not treated. Its causes are diverse; some are associated with autoimmune diseases or infections, while others are idiopathic and have no clear cause.
This blog will delve into what uveitis actually is, what causes it and how it manifests itself, treatment options, and how the right treatment can pave the way for recovery.
What Is Uveitis?
Uveitis is a catch-all term for inflammation of the uvea — the middle portion of the eye, which has an important role in blood supply and eye function. There are three main structures that make up the uvea: the iris (coloured part of the eye), the ciliary body (the part that makes fluid and controls the eye lens) and the choroid (which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the retina).
There are several types of uveitis, depending on which part of the uvea is involved.
- Anterior uveitis – The most common type, which affects the front of the eye (iris and ciliary body).
- Intermediate uveitis — Affects the vitreous (the clear gel filling the eye).
- Posterior uveitis – Involves the retina and choroid near the rear of the eye.
- Panuveitis – Affects all components of the uvea at once.
Uveitis can be acute (coming on suddenly) or chronic (long-standing), and require different approaches to manage the disease.
What Causes Uveitis?
Uveitis has multiple causes, and some cases can be difficult to pin down. In most instances, the inflammation is caused by a systemic condition. Common causes include:
- Autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis are conditions that can make the body’s immune system inadvertently attack its own eye tissues, causing uveitis. Autoimmune disorders often present with anterior uveitis.
- Infections: Viral infections (herpes simplex, herpes zoster), bacterial infections (syphilis, tuberculosis), and even parasites (toxoplasmosis) can cause uveitis.
- Eye injury or trauma: An injury to the eye — whether recent or in the past — can cause inflammation in the uveal tissue.
- Inflammatory diseases: Interstitial diseases such as sarcoidosis, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are associated with intermediate or posterior uveitis.
- Idiopathic uveitis: In many cases, no obvious cause is identified. These idiopathic cases are still taken very seriously to cut down on inflammation and protect vision.
Yet, whatever the underlying aetiological factor, uveitis is a condition that needs precise and, often, multidisciplinary assessment to direct effective treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Uveitis
Symptoms of uveitis can appear suddenly and can persist or get worse without warning. Some common signs to look for are:
- A red and painful eye or eyes
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Floaters, which look like dark spots or threads floating in your vision
- Headache, especially in acute anterior uveitis
Since uveitis can cause serious complications — like glaucoma, cataracts, or permanent vision loss — early recognition of these symptoms and getting medical advice quickly is important.
How Is Uveitis Diagnosed?
Uveitis is diagnosed with a full ophthalmic evaluation. The process generally involves:
- Thorough eye examination, usually done under a slit-lamp microscope, to identify signs of inflammation in the eye.
- Imaging investigations, particularly useful in diagnosing posterior and intermediate uveitis, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and fundus photography.
- Blood tests or chest X-rays may be requested if a systemic condition is suspected as the underlying cause.
The earlier the diagnosis, the quicker complications can be avoided and treatment can start. We provide comprehensive ophthalmic examinations at Chase Lodge Hospital to assist with swift and accurate diagnosis.
Uveitis Treatment Options
1. Medical Treatments
- The initial therapy for anterior uveitis is steroid eye drops, which help reduce inflammation and associated pain.
- For more severe or deeper inflammation, oral steroids or steroid injections may be used.
- For chronic or recurrent uveitis, especially those linked with autoimmune conditions, immunosuppressive medications, such as methotrexate or biologic agents, are recommended.
- In infections, antibiotics or antiviral medications are given to treat the inciting organism.
2. Lifestyle and Supportive Care
- Wearing sunglasses can alleviate the photophobia and pain.
- Controlling systemic diseases, such as arthritis or Crohn’s disease, is key to prevent recurring inflammation.
- Routine follow-up appointments are essential to ensure eye health and adjust treatment as needed.
3. Personal Stories: “My Uveitis Cure”
A customised treatment plan can work for many patients. One patient mentioned anterior uveitis associated with autoimmune arthritis at Chase Lodge Hospital. After a combination of steroid drops, immunosuppressive therapy and dietary changes, they reached remission and now have regular check-ups to make sure they don’t relapse. No two people are alike, so treatment should be tailored for optimum results.
Can Uveitis Be Prevented?
Although not every case of uveitis is preventable, there are actions that may lower your risk:
- Regular care and medication for an autoimmune disease.
- Protecting your eyes from trauma, notably during sports or hazardous activities.
- Seeking early treatment for infections that may incite ocular inflammation.
- Routine eye examinations for those at risk can detect early signs before symptoms appear.
Idiopathic uveitis cannot be prevented, unfortunately, but early diagnosis and treatment of the disease is still crucial.
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing any symptoms of uveitis — red eyes, blurred vision, pain or floaters — it is important to get medical care without delay. Uveitis can progress quickly, and timely management is the best way to limit long-term damage to vision.
Conclusion
Uveitis can cause serious damage and even permanent vision loss, but many patients recover very well with early diagnosis and timely treatment, and are able to retain good vision. Knowing the symptoms, causes and treatment options can help you to take quick action if necessary.
We specialise in treating uveitis with compassionate, expert care at Chase Lodge Hospital, where our experienced team is dedicated to helping you manage the condition and protect your vision.
