-
- Departments
- Surgery Division
- Ophthalmology
- Uveitis Clinic
The uvea (choroid) is the middle layer of the eyeball, situated between the sclera (white of the eye) and the retina, and it consists of the iris (eye color), the ciliary body (muscle behind the iris), and the choroid (tissue supporting the retina).
Uveitis is a general term for an inflammatory disease affecting one of the parts of the uvea (uvea being the grape-like layer).
Uveitis can be a short, acute, one-time event (acute uveitis), a chronic, prolonged condition, or a recurring disease with intermittent attacks. It can affect one eye, or both eyes simultaneously, or alternate between eyes. Uveitis tends to have a high tendency to recur. In some cases, uveitis may cause visual impairment, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Uveitis
The causes of the disease are diverse and include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (autoimmune antibodies). Generally, this group constitutes the largest portion of known uveitis causes. These diseases arise from the immune system wrongly identifying proteins from the eye and other parts of the body as foreign substances and attacking them. Many diseases fall into this category, and their prevalence as uveitis causes varies according to age, the part of the eye involved in uveitis, and other factors. Other causes of uveitis include infections, eye injuries, and more. However, in 35-50% of cases, the cause of uveitis remains unidentified, and it is then defined as idiopathic. It is important to note that uveitis is not a contagious disease.
The Expected Course of Uveitis
Some cases may heal quickly, but a significant number of patients develop a chronic and persistent disease, causing structural damage to the eye and visual impairment. As a result, immediate treatment for uveitis is essential. In most cases, the treatment is primarily based on various forms of steroid administration.
Symptoms of Uveitis
Uveitis symptoms include light sensitivity, blurred vision, eye pain, eye redness, and seeing floaters or flashes. In some instances, uveitis may be asymptomatic, showing no noticeable signs of the disease and detected coincidentally during routine check-ups. Uveitis can occur suddenly, defined as acute uveitis, or it can progress gradually.
Types of Uveitis
It is common to classify uveitis into different types according to the part of the eye where the inflammation is concentrated.
Anterior Uveitis - This is the most prevalent type. The main inflammatory activity occurs in the front part of the eyeball, specifically the anterior chamber (the front structure of the eye). Anterior uveitis is also known as iridocyclitis. It usually manifests with symptoms like pain, sensitivity to light, redness, and decreased vision.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of uveitis is based on the patient's medical history and the findings from the examination. Accordingly, a targeted laboratory investigation is conducted, which usually includes blood tests, chest X-rays, and a protein derivative skin test (PPD) - which assists in diagnosing tuberculosis and sarcoidosis.
Uveitis is diagnosed by gathering the patient's medical history and conducting a thorough examination. As part of the diagnostic process, specific laboratory tests are performed, which typically involve blood tests, chest X-rays, and a protein derivative skin test (PPD). The PPD test is particularly helpful in identifying tuberculosis and sarcoidosis.