Uveitis is an inflammatory eye condition usually affecting the front of the eye that may occur alone or it may accompany systemic autoimmune disorders.
Uveitis is an eye condition that can occur as an autoimmune disorder or as a result of injury, infection, or exposure to toxins. Uveitis is characterized by inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which is known as the uvea. The uvea is composed of three structures:
The iris—the colored structure of the eye surrounding the pupil
The ciliary body—the muscle that supports the iris and focuses the lens
The choroids- a layer containing the eye’s blood vessels located between the inner retina and the white of the eye (sclera)
As an autoimmune disorder, uveitis may occur alone or it may accompany other systemic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Bechet syndrome, sarcoidosis, Kawasaki disease, Reiter disease, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or ankylosing spondylitis. Uveitis may also occur in AIDS, cytomegalovirus infection, syphilis, tuberculosis, Lyme disease, and in fungal infections.
Uveitis may cause inflammation of all three structures that make up the uvea. Alternately, only one of the structures may be affected. For instance, in the type of uveitis affecting only the iris, the condition is caller iritis, or anterior uveitis. Intermediate uveitis is also known as iridocyclitis, and posterior uveitis is known as choroiditis or chorioretinitis.
Types of Uveitis
The most common type of uveitis is anterior uveitis, which represents 75 to 90 percent of all cases, and involves inflammation in the front part of the eye. Anterior uveitis is characterized by flares lasting from a few days to a few weeks with appropriate treatment alternating with relapses. Posterior uveitis is generally a more serious condition, with inflammatory periods lasting as long as a year. In posterior uveitis permanent vision damage may occur even with treatment. Intermediate uveitis (vitritis or plans partitis) is caused by inflammation in the vitreous or fluid portion of the eye.
Symptoms of uveitis
Symptoms in uveitis are related to which of the uvea’s three structures are affected. Symptoms may have a sudden onset, and pain may not necessarily be present.
Symptoms include:
Redness
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Floaters
Blurred vision
Pain
Triggers and Complications
Uveitis may occur as a consequence of trauma to the eye, including eye surgery and infections, or it may occur as part of a generalized inflammatory process in systemic autoimmune diseases. Uveitis is often associated with disorders that have an HLA B27 component, such as ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter’s disease. Complications of uveitis include visual impairment, vision loss, glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage. In the United States, uveitis is responsible for about 10 percent of all cases of blindness.
Treatment
Early treatment is necessary to avoid the risk of permanent vision loss. Treatment options include steroid eye drops, injections, or pills taken orally and eye drops that dilate the pupil and reduce pain. In severe cases, chemotherapeutic immunosuppressants are used to suppress the immune system.
Resources:
Uveitis, Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia, , August 8, 2006, accessed April 1, 2007.
The Uveitis Information Group, Shetland Isles, Royal National Institute of the Blind
The copyright of the article Uveitis in Autoimmune Disease is owned by Elaine Moore. Permission to republish Uveitis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I had two cataracts in each eye, and uveitis in one eye. I had a
cataract operation on my left eye in November. but my right eye
cannot be operated on until the infection hss cleared. I have other
symptons which makes me wonder about MS but the eye specialist does
not confirm or deny this. How do I get an answer.
Dec 21, 2008 11:56 AM
Elaine Moore :
Hi, You'd want to see a neurologist to help diagnose MS. Your eye
doctor will be specifically treating the eye condition. best, Elaine
Jan 3, 2009 8:39 PM
Guest :
I am experiencing my second flare of uveitis, this time accompanied by
scleritis. The first flare was five months ago. My ophthomologist believes
there is something systemic (IE RA) wrong, but even though I have positive
R. Factor, a rheumatologist does not believe I have RA. My hunch is that
this could be caused by insecticide -- both flares were noticed a couple of
days after spraying RAID in the house due to ant infestation. The ants also
caused ultra-extreme mental distress, so that might be a factor too! But,
the opthomologist does not think insecticide was the cause. I read
everywhere that "toxins" can cause uveitis, but can find no
information on what KIND of toxins ... I would be so relieved if this was a
reaction to insecticide rather than a serious auto-immune disease. Can you
give me information on uveitis caused by toxins?
Jan 30, 2009 5:36 AM
Guest :
hi, ihave m.s. and have had optic neuritis 4 years ago, at the moment i am
experiencing symptoms of uveitis. I am waiting for the hospital to get in
touch with me for the next plan of action, do i have time to wait before
any damage is done to the eye. My symptoms are mottled vision,sensitivity
to light a dull eye ache and headache.
Jan 30, 2009 10:10 AM
Elaine Moore :
Hi, Because there are a number of conditions that can cause your
symptoms, including thyroid eye disease, Cogan's syndrome, and euthyroid
Graves' disease, your doctor will want to make an accurate diagnosis before
starting treatment. I hope you hear from the hospital soon. Best, Elaine
Feb 3, 2009 2:11 AM
Guest :
My father is suffering from UVeitis. He is taking a treatment using
antibiotics and steroids.The doctors say it is due to a vIrus and due to
that there is a swelling. but his vision has detirorated. he doesnt have
any other medical complaints as such. Could you suggest any treatment for
him We are from India and could you recommend any good doctors/natural
treatment for this to make him feel better?
Feb 4, 2009 10:34 AM
Elaine Moore :
Hi, Your father probably needs to see a different ophthalmologist who
specializes in uveitis. Dilating drops are often used with prednisone.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. They don't help with
viral infections. There are meds used to treat viral infections that might
be helpful. I'm not acquainted with any doctors in India but I'd seek out a
good ophthalmologist. Best,Elaine
Aug 18, 2009 1:29 PM
Elaine Moore :
Hi, You probably want to see a rheumatologist to get an accurate
diagnosis. You may have uveitis alone or perhaps AS or Reiter's related to
a past stomach infection. A rheumatologist can run more tests and see if
you fit the criteria for a diagnosis beyond uveitis. Best to you, Elaine
Sep 6, 2009 4:12 PM
Elaine Moore :
Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's eye problems on top of her
other autoimmune conditions. In thyroid eye disease (TED, Graves'
ophthalmopathy) loss of color vision is considered a sign of optic nerve
compression, which can be harmful to vision. Please read my articles on
this topic and ask your doctor to run tests for TSH receptor antibodies.
Also, you might want to consult an ophthalmologist specializing in thyroid
eye disease. TED in the absence of thyroid dysfunction is known as
euthyroid Graves' disease. Read my articles on this topic too. Best,
Elaine
Oct 2, 2009 12:50 AM
Guest :
hi. my mom has had uveitis for the past 13 years. we have seen doctors all
over the world, but not one has had an answer. she has had cataracts on
both eyes removed. one stand in doctor suggested an autoimmune disease
called 'Voight cannihaga herrada' as she has many other symptoms too.ie/
tinnitus, alopecia, headaches, vetiligo, and eczema. she describes her pain
as pressure in her head, and buzzing all around, and all 'bunged' up. i
know it sounds crazy!! but its so debititating that it has made my mom
into a hermit. sometimes i feel like she needs a hole cut out her skull
like the ancient people used to!! anyone out there with any suggestions??
Oct 2, 2009 1:12 PM
Elaine Moore :
Hi, Oddly, allergies can cause the buzzing you mention.....and some
treatments for allergies can cause the buzzing. I've had it occur with both
Zyrtec and diphenhydramine. Some sleep agents, like ambien, can also cause
it.
While it might be associated with the uveitis your mother
has, it would be good to look up the symptoms of all meds she takes to see
if there might be a medication problem going on. Best, Elaine
Oct 28, 2009 3:26 AM
Guest :
I had 2 flareups this year, doctor immediately treated me for pink eye. I
knew the second time something else was wrong, they said no pink eye. This
3rd time I sought help from a Dr Sheckter in Phoenixville, PA as soon as
she read I had intestinal problems, Crohns, colitis, etc. she diagnosed me
right away! She is sending me for blood tests but it must be a bl1n27
something? She started me on steroids & muscle relaxer for eye.
Please pray for me, I hold the job for the family, thanks and great
luck!
Oct 28, 2009 10:48 AM
Elaine Moore :
Hi, I think your eye doctor is ordering an HLA B27 test. It's
mentioned in this article. A positive result suggests uveitis. Best, Elaine