Uveitis (Iritis)
January 15, 2009
Uvea is the layer between the sclera and the retina. It includes the iris, ciliary body and the choroid. When it becomes inflamed, you have uveitis.
What is uveitis?
The normal eye has three layers: outermost sclera, innermost retina and the middle uvea. Uvea has the iris, ciliary body and choroid. Iris is the coloured part around the pupil; you can see it in the front of the eye. Ciliary body is the structure that has muscle and is just behind the iris; it mainly focuses the lens. Choroid contains the blood vessels.
Uvea is responsible for providing most of the blood supply to the retina. Any or all of these structures can be affected in uveitis. Depending on where the inflammation is, uveitis is iritis or anterior uveitis, iridocyclitis or intermediate uveitis and choroiditis or posterior uveitis.
What are the causes of uveitis?
Usually a fungal infection like histoplasmosis or a virus like herpes can cause uveitis. A parasite like toxoplasmosis can also cause it.
It has a probable link to autoimmune diseases. This happens when our immune system considers a part of our body to be foreign. Eye trauma can also cause it. It can lead to other ocular complications like glaucoma, cataracts or retinal damage.
Sometimes the cause is unknown. However, if left untreated it can cause permanent vision loss.
What are its symptoms?
A different combination of symptoms is observed depending on which part of the uvea is affected. Symptoms include redness, light sensitivity, floaters, blurry vision and pain.
When symptoms occur, you should consult an ophthalmologist, who will carry out a careful eye examination. Blood tests, skin tests or x-rays will help to recognise this condition.
How can it be treated?
It is treated depending on where it is affected. Your doctor may relax your iris by dilating, enlarging your pupil. This will relieve your pain. Swelling can be reduced with some eye drops, ointments or medication.
Most often, the cause remains unknown. Therefore, the doctor can treat only symptoms. However, if the cause is known, it is better to treat the cause.
Steroid eye drops work well for Pars planitis. Choroidistis usually needs detecting the underlying cause for treatment. Chances are that the underlying cause is serious and hence, should be treated accordingly.
Tell a Friend:
We would like to see your Comments here..
St.Botanica Cosmetics
Recent Articles
Home remedies for cold
No single person can escape from common cold, so here are some tips to recover naturally. Vitamin C is very effective and reduces the cold.
Natural breast enhancement
Do you feel that your breasts are too small? Have they become misshapen after years of gaining and losing weight? If so, you may be considering different ways to enhance the size
3 Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Healthy sex is pleasurable and it has a lot of health benefits. On the other hand, unsafe sex brings a lot of worry when one gets infected. It is therefore very important
Why People Suffer From Panic Attacks
A Panic Attack is a psychological condition in which the person fears the possible next Panic Attack. It is said that every human being has this fear.
How To Increase Your Breast Size
Women with small breasts tend to lack confidence in their breast size. Society defines a beautiful, sexy woman as one who has round, full breasts.
