Uveitis

Uveitis is the swelling of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that is made up of the iris, ciliary body and choroid. It can affect one or both eyes. Since the uvea nourishes many important parts of the eye, inflammation of any part of it can lead to permanent vision loss.

Symptoms may occur suddenly and get worse quickly. There are cases when it slowly develops. Some signs and symptoms include:

• Redness of the eye
• Pain in the eye
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred or cloudy vision
• Glare
• Strings or cobwebs floating across field of vision (floaters)
• Whitish area inside the lower part of the iris

Treatment for uveitis depends on the type and severity of the condition. Patients may be recommended to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiviral medication, immunosuppressive medication, or undergo intravitreal injection or laser and surgical procedures.

Uveitis can recur anytime, so patients are recommended to undergo annual eye exams.