Uveitis Symptoms: Understanding the Condition
Uveitis is a common term to describe a group of diseases causing red eyes, pain, and inflammation.
These diseases commonly affect the Uvea (middle layer of eyes).
Some of the common Uveitis symptoms are temporary vision loss, eye redness, floaters, and blurry vision.
It can also cause an increase in the sensitivity of the light entering the eye. These symptoms are treatable if diagnosed on time.
Some conditions increase the risk of Uveitis, but it often occurs without reason.
Treatments can restore lost vision and can prevent further vision loss.
In this article, we will learn more about the symptoms of Uveitis.
What is Uveitis?
Uveitis is the inflammation of the Uvea (middle part of the eye).
Uvea is the middle layer of tissues which consists of the ciliary body, iris, and choroid.
It consists of many blood vessels that nourish the eye.
Uveitis can damage important eye tissues, which leads to permanent vision loss.
Uveitis Symptoms
Uveitis symptoms may occur in a short time and can get worse.
In some cases, symptoms develop slowly. It may affect one or both eyes.
Sometimes, no signs or symptoms of Uveitis are observed during routine checkups.
Some of the common Uveitis symptoms are:
Eye redness
Uveitis may cause your eyes to look red or bloodshot.
The redness occurs when small blood vessels under the eye’s surface become inflamed.
Redness can affect one or both eyes, and it can develop suddenly or develop over time.
Blurred vision
Swelling and cloudiness in the affected eye may cause blurry vision.
Some other factors that may contribute to blurry vision are Cataracts and Corneal Edema.
Damage to the optic nerve due to swelling can also cause blurred vision.
Light sensitivity
Uveitis can increase the sensitivity of light as a result of inflammation.
Exposure to bright light leads to discomfort or pain in the eye in case of Uveitis.
Also, the lens’s cloudiness can lead to an increase in light sensitivity.
Eye floaters
Floaters in the eye can occur because of Uveitis, swelling in the eye that leads to the formation of vitreous opacities or debris.
It can cast shadows on the retina, which is visible as floaters.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) formation is more likely to occur in individuals with a history of Uveitis.
Vision loss
In case of severe Uveitis, it may include symptoms like red eyes, eye pain, blurry vision, etc.
But with increasing time, it can result in complete vision loss.
Types of Uveitis
There are three types of Uveitis, depending on the location of the inflammation.
Anterior Uveitis
Inflammation of the Uvea near the iris (front of the eye) is known as anterior Uveitis.
It starts suddenly, and symptoms can last longer.
Some symptoms of Anterior Uveitis keep coming back, while some stay for a longer time.
Intermediate uveitis
Swelling of the Uvea in the ciliary body (middle of the eye) is known as intermediate Uveitis.
Symptoms of intermediate Uveitis can last for a few weeks or many years.
This type of Uveitis can go through a cycle of getting better and worsening again.
Posterior Uveitis
In posterior Uveitis, the swollen part is in the choroid (back of the Uvea).
Symptoms of posterior Uveitis develop slowly and may last for many years.
In severe cases of Uveitis, all the layers are involved.
Diagnosis
Your eye doctor can conduct a complete eye examination and may check your health history.
The eye examination generally consists of the following test:
Tonometry
A Tonometry examination measures the pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure).
The ophthalmologist may use some eye drops to numb the pain during the test.
Assessment of sight
This test will examine the pupil’s response to the light entering your eye.
During the tests, you can put on your glasses.
Ophthalmoscopy
This test involves dilating or increasing pupil size using eye drops.
Then a bright light is passed through to check inflammation in the back of the eye.
This test is also known as Funduscopy.
Slit-lamp examination
A slit lamp is a type of microscope that magnifies a line of high-intensity light into the eye.
This test helps to identify the microscopic inflammatory cells in front of the eye.
When to seek medical advice
Contact your doctor if you have any signs and symptoms of Uveitis.
Doctors may refer you to an Ophthalmologist, who will examine your eye properly.
In case of increased eye pain and temporary vision loss, contact your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Uveitis can even cause vision loss for a short or for an extended time.
It occurs when the Uvea (middle part of the eye) gets inflamed.
Symptoms of Uveitis may include redness, eye pain, floaters, and sensitivity to light.
Get help from your eye doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms.
Treatment options may include corticosteroids as well as surgeries in severe cases.
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important in preventing long-term vision loss.
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