Uveitis can be caused by a number of conditions:
Common symptoms of uveitis
include light sensitivity, blurred vision, pain, and redness of
the eye. Uveitis can occur suddenly with redness and pain, or it
may be slow in onset with very little pain or redness (just
blurring of vision).
Evaluation will include a careful eye examination by an
ophthalmologist. Blood tests, skin tests, and x-rays may also be
performed in some cases.
Treatment often includes steroid eye drops, and belladonna
ophthalmologics (pupil dilators). Oral anti-inflammatory
medications may also be necessary.
Complications such as glaucoma and cataracts can occur and will require treatment should they arise.
The eye is shaped like a tennis ball, hollow on the inside with three different layers of tissue surrounding a central cavity. The outermost layer is called the sclera (white coating) and the innermost layer is the retina. The middle layer is called the uvea. Inflammation of the uvea is called uveitis.
The uvea contains many of the blood vessels which nourish the eye. It is composed of the iris, ciliary body (causes pupil constriction), and the choroid. Inflammation of the uvea can affect the cornea, retina, iris (iritis), and other vital parts of the eye. Inflammation of the uvea can threaten eyesight and tends to be more serious than inflammation of the outer layers of the eye (e.g. conjunctivitis).