Understanding Uveitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Uveitis is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States, yet many people remain unaware of it until symptoms appear. Retina Consultants, P.C. in Hartford, Connecticut, diagnoses and treats uveitis every day across our five convenient locations in Connecticut. Remember, early care matters. The sooner uveitis is diagnosed, the easier it is to control inflammation and protect your sight.
What is uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye. It affects the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. These structures supply blood and nutrients to the retina, so inflammation can quickly threaten vision. Uveitis can develop suddenly or gradually. It may affect one or both eyes.
There are several types of uveitis, depending on the part of the eye that is inflamed. Anterior uveitis is the most common. It affects the front part of the eye, specifically the area between the cornea and iris. Intermediate uveitis affects the middle section of the eye, notably the vitreous humor. Then, there is posterior uveitis, which affects the back of the eye, including the retina and choroid. Although rare, some individuals experience panuveitis, which affects all layers of the eye.
How do I know I have uveitis?
Symptoms vary, but most people notice sudden changes in vision or eye comfort. Common signs include:
- Blurry vision
- Eye redness
- Light sensitivity
- Floaters in the field of vision
- Eye pain or soreness
- Reduced peripheral vision
Symptoms may be mild or severe. Some people experience rapid vision loss. Never ignore these changes. Prompt evaluation with a retina specialist gives you the best chance of protecting your sight.
What causes uveitis?
Ocular inflammation has many possible causes. Sometimes the cause is clear. At other times, uveitis has no known cause. Common triggers linked to uveitis include:
- Trauma to the eye
- Recent eye surgery
- Infections from bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa
- Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or lupus
- Systemic inflammatory diseases, such as Behcet’s disease or sarcoidosis
Inflammation typically occurs when the immune system becomes overly active. In the eye, even a small amount of inflammation can be detrimental. Without treatment, it can result in permanent damage.
Diagnosing uveitis: What can I expect?
Precise diagnostics are crucial for targeted treatment of uveitis. At Retina Consultants, P.C., we use advanced imaging to diagnose the cause and grade the inflammation. These tools help us create personalized treatment plans:
- Fluorescein angiography and Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography: Allows us to examine deeper layers of the eye, especially the retina and choroid.
- Heidelberg OCT and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): They provide high-resolution, cross-sectional retinal images without the use of dye.
- B-scan ultrasound: It helps visualize the eye when inflammation or cloudiness prevents a clear view of the retina.
We also work closely with other specialists to reach an accurate diagnosis. Many uveitis cases require advanced laboratory testing, including lupus anticoagulant panels, HLA testing, and specialized infectious disease tests, such as those for Bartonella.
What are the treatment options for uveitis?
Treating uveitis means reducing inflammation, protecting the retina, and controlling flare-ups. Your treatment depends on the cause, severity, and location of inflammation. Retina Consultants, P.C., offers the latest treatments for uveitis.
- Corticosteroid injections such as sub-tenons kenolog and Xipere
- Intraocular implants, including Ozurdex, Yutiq, and Iluvein
- Retisert surgery for severe or difficult-to-control inflammation.
Do you need uveitis treatment in or near Hartford, CT?
Uveitis is a serious condition, but effective treatment options are available. At Retina Consultants, P.C., our experienced retinal specialists use state-of-the-art diagnostics and therapies to safeguard your vision.
Need uveitis treatment? Contact us today at:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
