Content
Uveitis corresponds to inflammation of the uvea, which is part of the eye formed by the iris, ciliary and choroidal body, which results in symptoms such as red eye, sensitivity to light and blurred vision, and can happen as a result of autoimmune or infectious diseases, such as arthritis rheumatoid, sarcoidosis, syphilis, leprosy and onchocerciasis, for example.
Uveitis can be classified into anterior, posterior, intermediate and diffuse, or panuveitis, according to the region of the affected eye and must be treated quickly, as it can lead to complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, progressive loss of vision and blindness.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of uveitis are similar to those of conjunctivitis, however in the case of uveitis there is no itching and irritation in the eyes, which is quite common in conjunctivitis, and they can also be differentiated by the cause. Thus, in general, the symptoms of uveitis are:
- Reddish eyes;
- Pain in the eyes;
- Greater sensitivity to light;
- Blurred and blurred vision;
- Appearance of small spots that blur the vision and change places according to the movement of the eyes and the intensity of the light in the place, being called floaters.
When the symptoms of uveitis last for a few weeks or a few months and then disappear, the condition is classified as acute, however, when the symptoms continue for several months or years and there is no complete disappearance of the symptoms, it is classified as chronic uveitis .
Causes of uveitis
Uveitis is one of the symptoms of several systemic or autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis and Behçet's disease, for example. In addition, it can happen due to infectious diseases, such as toxoplasmosis, syphilis, AIDS, leprosy and onchocerciasis.
Uveitis can also be a consequence of metastases or tumors in the eyes, and it can happen due to the presence of foreign bodies in the eye, lacerations in the cornea, eye perforation and burns by heat or chemicals.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of uveitis aims to relieve symptoms and is done according to the cause, which may include the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops, corticosteroid pills or antibiotics, for example. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
Uveitis is curable, especially when identified in the early stages, but it may also be necessary to perform treatment at the hospital so that the patient receives the medication directly into the vein. After treatment, it is necessary for the person to undergo routine examinations every 6 months to 1 years in order to monitor eye health.