A Serious Eye Problem That Needs Prompt Treatment (Sun light stop by hand to eye)
What is Uveitis?

Eye problems often are not serious. But some, like Uveitis, can be. Uveitis is an inflammation of he uvea. This fragile tissue lies just behind the sclera (the white outer layer of the eye). Uveitis requires prompt treatment by an eye doctor. Without and treatment care, Uveitis can damage vision. 

How is your eye Affected?

Uveitis most often inflames the iris (iritis). Since the iris opens and closes the pupil (the hole through which you see) any inflammation of which can cause pain and sensitivity to light. Often the eye gets red. Vision may become blurred, or you may see spots floating in your eye. Uveitis can affect one or both eyes. Untreated, it can worsen and lead to more severe eye diseases, such as glaucoma or cataracts, or even loss of vision

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How is Uveitis Diagnosed?

 Uveitis may be related to an inflammation or disease elsewhere in the body. Your eye doctor will discuss your health history and examine you to help diagnose and treat your condition.

Taking your health history

It’s not always possible to find the cause of Uveitis. But you can help by telling your eye doctor as much as you can about your symptoms. Let your doctor know if anyone in your family has had Uveitis and if you have or have recently had any of the following: 

• A virus or other infection
• A chronic condition or allergy
• A joint disease, such as arthritis, or stiffness in your back
• An injury, chemical burn, or object in your eye
• A sexually transmitted disease
• A parasite or fungal infection

Examining your eyes

Your eye doctor will examine the inside of your eyes with a special microscope called a slit lamp. The slit lamp allows the doctor to see any inflammation in the space in front of  iris. Sometimes the inflammation causes the iris to stick to the front of the lens. Your eye doctor may also check your eye pressure to make sure you don’t have glaucoma and order blood tests, x-rays, or other tests to try to find the cause of your Uveitis.

How is Uveitis treated?

Relieving the symptoms 

Your eye doctor dilates, or enlarges, your pupil with eyedrops to relax your pupils increases your sensitivity to light, so you may need to wear sunglasses for a few days. Your eye doctor may give you eyedrops, ointments, or oral medications to reduce swelling. Be sure you understand how to use these medications. Ask about any possible side effects. In some cases, your eye doctor may also give you medication by injection. The pain and sensitivity to light usually go away within a few days.

Treating the underlying cause 

Often the cause of Uveitis isn’t known, and your eye doctor can only treat the symptoms. If the cause is known, treatment will depend on the underlying condition. Your eye doctor may refer you to your primary care doctor or another specialist for evaluation and treatment.

If Uveitis recurs 

Uveitis can recur without warning. With each attack, the chance of having another attack increases. Keep your medication on hand and call your eye doctor at the first sign of symptoms. Prompt treatment can help prevent permanent damage to your eye