Uveitis

Overview

The term uveitis means inflammation of the uveal tissue only. However, clinically there is always some involvement of the adjacent structures such as retina, vitreous, sclera and cornea. As there is a close relationship of the anatomically distinct parts of the uveal tract, the pathogenesis usually tends to involve the uvea as a whole.

Signs and Symptoms

Eye redness, Eye pain, Photosensitivity, Blepharospasm, Lacrimation, Blurred vision, Floating spots in the field of vision (floaters), Lid and corneal edema, Circumcorneal congestion

Common Causes

Infective: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, rickettsial, Immune related: microbial allergy, anaphylactic uveitis, atopic, autoimmune, Toxic: endotoxins, endocular, exogenous, Traumatic: mechanical, chemical, Non infective disease: sarcoidosis, diabetes mellitus, gout, psoriasis Idiopathic

Risk Factors

Genetics, Smoking

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, ESR, C reactive protein, Blood sugar, Serology, Occular examination, Stool for cyst and ova, Skin test

Treatment and Prevention

Local therapy: cycloplegic drugs(atropine eye drops), corticosteroid, antibiotic(prepared together with corticosteroids), Systemic therapy: Corticosteroids, NSAIDs, Immunosuppressive drugs(cyclosporin, useful in severe cases like Bechet's syndrome), Azithromycin/erythromycin, Physical therapy: hot fomentation, Treat the underlying cause accordingly