Uveitis is when the middle layer of your eye, called the uvea, is inflamed. The uvea comprises of the iris, ciliary body and choroid of the eye. It can affect other areas of your eye not part of the uvea such as the lens, optic nerve, or even the retina which helps to send messages to your brain. This condition commonly affects those between 10 to 50 years old.
Uveitis can be caused by a variety of different things. This includes all kinds of infections such as bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic; as well as family history, trauma, and common autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and lupus.
Some immediate signs and symptoms may include:
- Redness of the eye
- Any pain or discomfort of the eye
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Increased tear production
- Floaters (black dots) in your field of vision that may interfere with driving and reading
- A pupil size that is smaller than normal
If you have uveitis the pain can last for days or weeks, to even years. If it is not treated, your vision and your eye’s long-term health can be seriously affected with even cases of permanent sight loss occurring. Other complications may also occur if the eye structure is damaged such as having glaucoma or cataract. Therefore, it is very important to urgently obtain a referral and be examined by an Ophthalmologist to control and treat the inflammation of the uvea. Treatment is usually highly effective especially if it is treated early.