Uveitis

Uveitis is a rare group of conditions that cause swelling and tissue damage in the eye. These diseases often affect a part of the eye called the uvea, but can occasionally affect other parts of the eye such as the lens, retina, optic nerve and vitreous. Uveitis can lead to vision loss.

What Causes Uveitis?

Uveitis is caused by an inflammatory response in the eye. This can be due to injury such as bruises to the eye, infections occurring within the eye or other body parts, or an autoimmune attack. Uveitis symptoms vary, but often include decreased vision, pain, light sensitivity, and the appearance of floaters in the eye.

What Types of Diseases are Associated with Uveitis?

Diseases often associated with uveitis include AIDS, herpes zoster infection, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, reactive arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis and much more.

What are the Symptoms?

Uveitis may affect one or both eyes, and symptoms may develop quickly. Uveitis symptoms include blurred vision, floating spots in vision, eye pain, redness of the eye, and light sensitivity. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your ophthalmologist immediately.

How is Uveitis Treated?

Treatment for uveitis is generally aimed at reducing and eliminating associated inflammation, and relieving pain. Treatments are also used to prevent any further tissue damage and restore any vision lost.

The way your uveitis is treated largely depends on the type of uveitis. Some types can be treated with steroid eye drops, such as prednisone. Others can require injections around the eye, oral medications, or other immunosuppressive agents.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of uveitis, please be sure to contact Freehold Ophthalmology as soon as possible. Treating uveitis early is important. Call us for an appointment today!