Signs and Symptoms of Uveitis

Uveitis is a term for a group of eye inflammation diseases affecting the middle part of the eye. This middle part of the eye is also known as the uvea. It consists of the iris, pars plana, the choroid, and the ciliary body. It mainly supplies blood to the retina, which is the light-sensitive part of the eye. 

Uveitis causes the eyes to be cloudy, red in color, painful, and swollen. It may occur from different causes, both infectious and non-infectious. If not treated, uveitis can cause blindness. 

Symptoms of Uveitis

The symptoms may occur in one or both eyes. They are:
 

• Redness of the eye.
   

• Pain in the eye.
   

• Floaters or dark spots in the vision.
   

• Photophobia or sensitivity to light.
   

• Small pupil.
   

• Blurred or cloudy vision.

However, the symptoms depend on the type of uveitis. If you have a change of vision, pain in the eye, and sensitivity to light, see a doctor immediately.

Types of Uveitis

These depend on where it occurs. They are:
 

• Anterior Uveitis.
   

• Intermediate Uveitis.
   

• Posterior Uveitis.
   

• Panuveitis.

Of the above, the last three are the most serious types. Intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis are highly recurrent and can lead to blindness if not treated.

Anterior Uveitis

Anterior uveitis or iritis affects the front, colored part of the eye, known as the iris. It mainly occurs among the young and the middle-aged. Moreover, it can affect only one eye or both. 

If you have eye redness, feel pain, have blurred vision, and have light sensitivity, see a doctor. Doctors sometimes link it to lung, gastrointestinal, rheumatologic, and infectious diseases.

Intermediate Uveitis

In this type, the center of the inflammation is in the vitreous part of the eye. It can therefore be vitritis or pars planitis. Vitritis is inflammation of the vitreous cavity. Pars planitis is inflammation of a layer of the eye known as the pars plana.

Intermediate uveitis is common among young adults. It causes blurred vision and floaters, and there may be no pain. Furthermore, it sometimes has a relation to diseases like multiple sclerosis and sarcoidosis.

Posterior Uveitis

This is the least common type, and it leads to loss of vision. However, detection is through an eye exam. This is because it occurs at the back of the eye, and it affects the choroid and the retina. This is sometimes referred to as choroiditis or chorioretinitis. The causes are both infectious and non-infectious. 

Panuveitis

In this type, the inflammation affects all three parts of the eye. The parts include the anterior, intermediate, and posterior parts. One of the most well-known forms of panuveitis is Behcet’s disease. It greatly damages the retina.

Complications

If left untreated, uveitis can cause further complications apart from final blindness. These include glaucoma, optic nerve damage, and cataracts. To the retina, it can cause retinal scarring, retinal detachment, and retinal swelling (macular edema). As earlier discussed, without treatment, it leads to permanent loss of vision.

For more on the signs and symptoms of uveitis, visit Quality Eye Care at our offices in Jacksonville or Gainesville, Florida. You can call 904-601-1300 today to schedule an appointment.