Uveitis
Uveitis is swelling and irritation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. The
uvea provides most of the blood supply to the retina.
Alternative Names
Iritis
Pars planitis
Choroiditis
Chorioretinitis
Anterior uveitis
Posterior uveitis
Causes
Uveitis can be caused by autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing
spondylitis, infection, or exposure to toxins. However, in many cases the cause is unknown.
The most common form of uveitis is anterior uveitis, which involves inflammation in the
front part of the eye. It is often called iritis because it is usually only effects the iris, the
colored part of the eye. The inflammation may be associated with autoimmune diseases, but
most cases occur in healthy people. The disorder may affect only one eye. It is most
common in young and middle-aged people.
Posterior uveitis affects the back part of the uvea, and involves primarily the choroid, a
layer of blood vessels and connective tissue in the middle part of the eye. This type of uveitis
is called choroiditis. If the retina is also involved it is called chorioretinitis. You may develop
this condition if you have had a body-wide (systemic) infection or if you have an
autoimmune disease.
Another form of uveitis is pars planitis. This inflammation affects the narrow area
between the colored part of the eye (iris) and the choroid. Pars planitis usually occurs in
young men and is generally not associated with any other disease. However, some evidence
suggests it may be linked to Crohn's disease and possibly multiple sclerosis.
Uveitis can be associated with any of the following:
* AIDS
* Ankylosing spondylitis
* Behcet syndrome
* CMV retinitis
* Herpes zoster infection
* Histoplasmosis
* Injury
* Kawasaki disease
* Psoriasis
* Reactive arthritis
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Sarcoidosis
* Syphilis
* Toxoplasmosis
* Tuberculosis
* Ulcerative colitis
Symptoms
Uveitis can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms may develop rapidly and can include:
* Blurred vision
* Dark, floating spots in the vision
* Eye pain
* Redness of the eye
* Sensitivity to light
Exams and Tests
A complete medical history and eye examination should be performed. Laboratory tests may
be done to rule out infection or an autoimmune disorder.
Persons over age 25 with pars planitis should have an MRI of their brain and spine to
rule out multiple sclerosis.
Treatment
Iritis is usually mild. Treatment may involve:
* Dark glasses
* Eye drops that dilate the pupil to relieve pain
* Steroid eye drops or ointment
Pars planitis is often treated with steroid eye drops. Other medicines, including steroids
taken by mouth, may be prescribed to help suppress the immune system.
Choroiditis treatment depends on the underlying cause. Additional specialists in infectious
disease or autoimmunity may be needed for such diseases as syphilis, tuberculosis, AIDS,
sarcoidosis, or Behcet's syndrome.
If the uveitis is caused by a body-wide infection, treatment may involve antibiotics and
powerful anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids. See autoimmune disorders for
information on treating such diseases.
Support Groups
None
Outlook (Prognosis)
With proper treatment, most attacks of anterior uveitis go away in a few days to weeks.
However, relapses are common.
Inflammation related to posterior uveitis may last from months to years and may cause
permanent vision damage, even with treatment.
Possible Complications
* Cataracts
* Fluid within the retina
* Glaucoma
* Retinal detachment
* Vision loss
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of uveitis. Eye
pain or reduced vision are urgent symptoms that require prompt medical attention.
Prevention
Treatment of an underlying disorder may help to prevent uveitis in persons with a body-wide
(systemic) infection or disease.