UVEITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Uveitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the eye including the iris (iritis), ciliary body (cyclitis), choroid (choroiditis) and retina (retinitis).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Eye.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Severe eye pain.
• Blurred vision; decreased vision.
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light).
• Eye redness.
• Smaller pupil in the affected eye (sometimes).
• Tears.
• Floating spots in the field of vision.

CAUSES

> Infection (bacteria, virus or fungus) that spreads to the eye from other body parts. Common causes include:

Toxoplasmosis. Tuberculosis. Histoplasmosis. Syphilis. Sarcoidosis. Viruses.

• Injury to the eye.
• Autoimmune reaction (possibly).
• Unknown in many cases.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ulcerative colitis.
• Viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection.
• Other eye disease.

HOW TO PREVENT--Cannot be prevented at present.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and special eye exam by a doctor (ophthalmologist).
• Laboratory blood studies and x-rays if an underlying disorder is suspected.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment, usually an ophthalmologist.
• Treatment for any underlying condition.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Glaucoma.
• Cataracts.
• Permanent, partial vision loss.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Vision can usually be preserved with prompt treatment. With infections, uveitis tends to clear up once the infection is treated. Other causes, the outcome is usually dependent on the underlying condition.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----Wear dark glasses--even indoors--until treatment is complete.

MEDICATION--Your ophthalmologist may prescribe:

• Eye drops (mydriatics) that dilate the pupil and prevent scarring. You may need to use eye drops for a long time. Ask your doctor how to instill them in the eye correctly.
• Oral cortisone drugs, cortisone eye drops or injections to reduce inflammation. Discuss the side effects of cortisone drugs with your doctor.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions usually. Don't drive or perform hazardous activities if symptoms are severe or eye medications cause side effects.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of uveitis--either sudden or gradual. Call immediately.
• Your vision changes in any way.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.