Uveitis

Without prompt treatment, uveitis can turn into a chronic condition that causes permanent vision loss. In fact, uveitis causes about 10% of all cases of blindness in the United States. The experienced ophthalmologists at Retina Consultants of Austin, with offices in Austin, Lakeway, Marble Falls, and Round Rock, Texas, have extensive experience diagnosing and treating this challenging eye disease. If you have eye redness that doesn’t improve, don’t wait to schedule an eye exam. Call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is uveitis?

Uveitis refers to inflammation in the middle layer of your eye, the uvea. The uvea is further divided into several layers. One layer, the choroid, is filled with blood vessels. Another layer of the uvea changes the shape of the lens to focus light. The colored part of your eye (iris) is also part of the uvea.

You develop uveitis when you have an infection. Though the infection could be in your eye, you can also end up with uveitis if you have an infection elsewhere in your body. For example, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease may lead to uveitis.

Are there different types of uveitis? 

There are four types of uveitis, including: 

Anterior uveitis

Anterior uveitis begins suddenly and affects the uvea in the front of your eye. It may come and go or turn into ongoing inflammation. 

Intermediate uveitis

Intermediate uveitis develops in the middle of your eye and typically comes and goes. 

Posterior uveitis

This type of uveitis develops gradually and causes inflammation in the back of your eye, where it can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss. 

Panuveitis

Panuveitis is rare but when it occurs, it inflames every part of the uvea. 

What are the symptoms of uveitis? 

Uveitis causes symptoms such as:

• Red eye with or without pain
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Blurry vision
• Floaters (speck moving across your vision)

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s essential to meet with your provider at Retina Consultants of Austin. Without prompt treatment, uveitis can lead to permanent vision loss. 

How is uveitis treated? 

Your provider at Retina Consultants of Austin prescribes corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation. In addition to easing your symptoms, eliminating inflammation also prevents vision loss.

Corticosteroids come in several forms. Prescription eye drops are most often used, but your doctor may prescribe pills, an eye injection, or surgery to place a corticosteroid implant inside your eye.

While corticosteroids are the primary treatment for uveitis, they can increase your risk for glaucoma and cataracts. For this reason, it’s essential to get regular eye exams to monitor your eye health.

If your provider at Retina Consultants of Austin identifies an underlying health condition or suspects one, they may refer you to a specialist for additional care. 

When you have symptoms of uveitis, it’s important to seek eye care. Call Retina Consultants of Austin or schedule an appointment online today.