Uvea

Q. What is uveitis ?

Uveitis is a condition characterized by inflammation inside the eye, often resulting from the
immune systems response to an infection or, in some cases, an autoimmune attack on
healthy eye tissue. This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as pain, redness, and
vision loss, making prompt medical attention crucial.

Q. What is Uvea ?

The uvea, the affected part of the eye, is the middle layer situated between the sclera
(white part) and the retina (light-sensitive layer at the back). It comprises three
components: the iris (colored part of the eye), ciliary body (aids in lens focusing), and
choroid (connects the retina to the sclera).

Q. What are the different types of uveitis ?

Various types of uveitis exist, each affecting different parts of the eye:
> Anterior uveitis affects the iris at the front of the eye. It’s the most common type,
and it’s usually less serious.
> Intermediate uveitis affects the ciliary body and the vitreous (gel-like fluid that fills
the eye).
> Posterior uveitis affects the retina and the choroid at the back of the eye.
> Panuveitis affects all parts of the uvea, from the front to the back of the eye.

Q. What are the symptoms of uveitis ?

Early uveitis symptoms usually start suddenly. Symptoms include:
> Blurry vision
> Floaters (small dark spots or squiggly lines that float across your vision)
> Eye pain
> Red eyes
> Sensitivity to light

If you notice these symptoms, see your eye doctor right away. Uveitis can cause vision loss if
you don’t treat it.

Q. What causes uveitis?

Causes of uveitis include autoimmune diseases, infections, or sometimes the cause is not known.

Q.How is uveitis diagnosed ?

Diagnosis involves a dilated eye exam where eye drops widen the pupil for a thorough
examination. Additional tests may be required to identify underlying causes. Your doctor may order various blood investigations and eye scans (Optical coherence tomography, Optical
coherence tomography angiography, Fundus fluorescein angiography).

Q.What is the treatment of uveitis ?

Treatment primarily involves steroids to reduce inflammation and prevent vision loss.
Steroids may be administered through eye drops, oral pills, eye injections or implants.
Regular eye exams are essential to monitor for potential side effects such as cataracts and
glaucoma, which are associated with steroid use.
Few patients may also require oral antiobiotics and immunomodulator therapy.
Rarely, advanced uveitis may require vitreo-retinal surgery.
Your treatment plan will depend on several factors — like which part of your eye is affected, and other health conditions you have. You can work with your doctor to find the right treatments for you.