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EYE CONDITIONS
Uveitis
Uveitis affects the uvea, the pigmented area of the eye. The uvea delivers blood to the retina, a light-sensitive area of the eye. Uveitis happens suddenly and progressively becomes worse. When left untreated, uveitis may lead to blindness. There are three main types of uveitis: iridocyclitis, which affects the middle region of the eye, posterior uveitis which affects the choroid and pan-uveitis, which affects the entire eye.
Causes
Generally, the cause of uveitis remains unknown. Uveitis could be the result of an autoimmune disorder or a viral or bacterial infection. Rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis are autoimmune disorders that increase the risk of uveitis. HIV/AIDs and sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes and syphilis are other causes of uveitis. In rare cases, intraocular lymphoma, an eye tumour often masquerades as the retinal disease, uveitis.
Symptoms
Red eyes
Floaters
Blurry vision
Eye pain
Ophthalmologist, Dr Miller , specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of uveitis. A comprehensive eye examination and detailed medical history are essential for the diagnosis of uveitis. Other diagnostic tests include tonometry to measure intraocular pressure and a slit lamp to locate inflammatory cells. A funduscopy also helps to look inside the back part of the eye.
To treat uveitis, the ophthalmologists need to reduce inflammation in the eye. Dr Miller prescribes anti-inflammatory corticosteroid eye drops to treat inflammation in the front part of the eye. If uveitis is a result of a bacterial infection, the ophthalmologists will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. When corticosteroid drops fail to work, ophthalmologists advise on immunosuppressive drugs to treat uveitis.
Another option is surgery. A device that releases corticosteroid into the eye is a specialised eye procedure that treats posterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis tends to disappear within days after treatment.
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