Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea – the middle layer of the eye

Symptoms
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Care
Prevention

Inflammation typically occurs when the immune system fights an infection. This layer is rich in blood vessels and plays a key role in nourishing the retina. Inflammation of the uvea can also affect other parts of the eye, such as the cornea, retina, and sclera, making uveitis a serious condition that requires timely treatment.

In some patients, uveal inflammation is not limited to acute episodes but transitions into a chronic form, which can lead to serious complications, including vision loss. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent the disease from becoming chronic and reduce the risk of complications.

According to statistics, uveitis appears more frequently in women aged between 20 and 60, but it can manifest in all age groups, including children. The condition can affect one or both eyes.

Symptoms

Red eye
Increased sensitivity to light
Eye pain
Suddenly appearing spots in front of the eyes
Blurred vision

Symptoms can develop rapidly, within hours, or gradually, over weeks or months. If symptoms appear, it is advisable to consult one of our ophthalmologists for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Risk Factors

Inflammation in uveitis has a wide range of possible causes. In about 30-40% of cases, the exact cause remains unknown, but possible causes include:

Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic)
Autoimmune diseases
Eye trauma
Systemic diseases

Diagnosis

Identifying the cause of uveitis is challenging and requires much more than a standard eye exam. Various methods and equipment are used for diagnosis to observe the front of the eye and its internal structures.
Our ophthalmologists use various diagnostic methods:

Ophthalmoscopy
Fundus examination (examination of the back of the eye)
Intraocular pressure measurement
Fluorescein angiography
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Ocular ultrasound

Sometimes, blood tests are recommended to detect chronic infection in another part of the body. Early diagnosis of uveitis is extremely important to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent severe consequences, including vision loss.

Treatment

Uveitis is a group of inflammatory diseases with various origins (viral, bacterial, autoimmune, etc.) and can affect different structures within the eye. Uveitis therapy is complex, often involving collaboration with other medical specialists (rheumatologists, pulmonologists, etc.). The primary goal is to suppress the inflammatory reaction and prevent complications that could lead to permanent damage. Therapy includes steroid and non-steroidal preparations, and antibiotics, which may be in the form of eye drops, injections into/around the eye, and in some cases, systemic therapy.

It is important to note that treatment must be prescribed and monitored by an ophthalmologist. Self-medication or delayed therapy can lead to serious vision problems. At the first symptoms, it is necessary to consult a specialist immediately.

Care

Strictly follow the instructions given by our specialist.
Adhere to the exact dosage and frequency of application of the prescribed therapy.
Avoid activities that can increase intraocular pressure or strain the eyes, such as heavy lifting or prolonged computer work.
If you notice redness, pain, blurred vision, or increased light sensitivity, contact us immediately.

Prevention

Preventing uveitis depends on its underlying cause. It often arises as a result of an infection or an autoimmune disease. It is important to address symptoms promptly. Early treatment and control of the disease are very important.