Learn about uveitis and receive uveitis treatment in Louisiana.
Uveitis is an eye condition caused by inflammation of the uvea, which is composed of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Uveitis may range from mild to severe and can leave permanent damage if left untreated.
Fortunately, uveitis is treatable, and you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor, who may refer you to a retina specialist for additional care.
What Are the Causes of Uveitis?
Ophthalmologists cannot always pinpoint the exact cause of uveitis, as a variety of issues can cause this eye condition. However, uveitis can be a sign of systemic infections, injuries, and health issues:
- Infection: Uveitis can result from bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, including herpes and tuberculosis.
- Autoimmune disorders: Uveitis can be caused by autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus.
- Inflammatory conditions: Uveitis can be caused by inflammatory conditions, such as sarcoidosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Other: Uveitis can also be caused by trauma, medication side effects, or eye surgery.
If you are a cigarette or cigar smoker, you also have an increased risk of developing uveitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Uveitis?
The most common symptoms of uveitis include eye redness, pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing. It is important to note that symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of uveitis. There are three primary types of uveitis
- Anterior uveitis produces inflammation in the front of the eye. Symptoms are usually the least severe with isolated anterior uveitis.
- Intermediate uveitis produces inflammation in the middle parts of the eye. Symptoms may be more significant and require more involved treatments.
- Posterior uveitis produces inflammation in the back of the eye. Symptoms may be severe and require a combination of local and systemic treatments.
How Is Uveitis Treated?
The goal of treatment for uveitis is to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the eye. Treatment can range from taking eye drops, pills, injections, or even undergoing eye surgery.
- Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids effectively reduce inflammation and are the most common treatment for uveitis. Delivery can be obtained by eyedrop, extraocular or intraocular injection, and oral.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs are used to reduce inflammation and can be taken in pill form or applied around the eye.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed. Your ophthalmologist will implant a small device in your eye to periodically release small doses of steroids.
- Steroid-sparing rheumatologic drugs (Humira, Methotrexate) are sometimes required for posterior and intermediate uveitis, especially in chronic or severe forms.
The underlying cause of uveitis must be treated in order to resolve the symptoms completely. For example, if an infection causes uveitis, antibiotics may be necessary. Your eye doctor will determine the appropriate treatment path for you based on the type and severity of your uveitis, along with other health conditions you may have.
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea and can result from various things, including infection, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions. If you have been diagnosed with uveitis, schedule an appointment with Louisiana Retina for uveitis treatment in our Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Hammond, or Amite clinics.
Reach us by phone at 225-523-7624 or send us an email.