Related articles: Uveitis
Definition
Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye that affects the uveal tract, between the retina and sclera, in part or in its entirety.
The most common type of uveitis is inflammation of the iris, called iritis or anterior uveitis. When the uvea is inflamed in its middle part (ciliary body) we speak of cyclite. If it concerns, instead, the posterior part of the uvea (choroid) we speak of choroidite. Sometimes, inflammation affects all layers of the uvea; in these cases we speak of panuveite.
Possible causes include various infections, ocular trauma and systemic diseases, many of which are autoimmune. In most cases, however, uveitis is idiopathic.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- anisocoria
- Movable bodies
- Ocular pain
- Fotofobia
- hypopyon
- Tearing
- Miosi
- Eyes reddened
- Corneal opacity
- Reduced vision
- scotomas
- Blurred vision
Further indications
The symptoms that characterize uveitis vary depending on the location and severity of the inflammation. Common manifestations include pain and redness of the eyes, hypersensitivity to light, perception of moving bodies, reduction and blurred vision.
A clouding of the uvea, determined by the presence of inflammatory and precipitated cells (in the aqueous humor) can be found in the eye examination. In the anterior chamber, a thin layer of white blood cells (ipopion) may deposit, while in the iris nodules or atrophic areas may appear.
If left untreated, uveitis can have serious consequences for eyesight, including: cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment and permanent blindness.
Diagnosis typically requires performing a slit-lamp examination and ophthalmoscopy assessment.
Treatment depends on the cause, but is usually based on the use of topical corticosteroids or injected intraocularly, associated with a cycloplegic-mydriatic drug. On the other hand, serious and refractory cases may require the use of corticosteroids or systemic immunosuppressants. Infectious uveitis requires specific antimicrobial therapy.
