Uveitis

Uveitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the internal structures of the eye. The different types of uveitis can be classified according to the particular region of the eye affected. Uveitis can be divided into anterior, posterior, intermediate, and diffuse. Uveitis can be caused by injury, ocular surgery, infection, and systemic illnesses that cause inflammation of various organs including the eyes. Often times, there is no underlying illness that cause the uveitis, and the inflammation of the eyes is considered the primary disease.

Diagnosis: The key to the diagnosis of uveitis is usually the clinical examination. Inflammatory cells can often be seen by direct visualization with a slit-lamp microscope. Fluorescein angiography and ICG angiography are also helpful tools in assessing the nature and severity of the inflammation. If your eye doctor is concerned about an underlying medical condition causing uveitis, a medical evaluation including blood tests is usually recommended.

Treatment: Treatment varies depending on the location, severity, and underlying cause of the uveitis. Topical anti-inflammatory drops are often first line treatment for uveitis that primarily affects the front of the eye: anterior uveitis. Steroid injections, oral steroids, and oral immunosuppressive agents are also used to treat uveitis that is particularly severe or that primarily affects the back parts of the eye: posterior uveitis.