What is Uveitis?
Uvea is the vascular-rich tissue that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid layers of the eye. Uveitis occurs as a result of inflammation of the uvea. Depending on the affected layers, it is referred to as anterior, intermediate, or posterior uveitis. Uveitis can affect all tissues in the eye.What are the Risk Factors for Uveitis?
This condition can occur due to factors such as viruses, fungi, and parasites, or it can be seen as a symptom of another disease in the body. It can often develop as a result of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatic diseases, Behçet's disease, or sarcoidosis. Previous intraocular surgeries and eye traumas can trigger uveitis.What are the Symptoms of Uveitis?
Uveitis presents symptoms such as floaters, glare, sensitivity to light, seeing black spots, blurred vision, redness, and tearing in the eyes. Variable degrees of vision loss may accompany these symptoms.How is Uveitis Diagnosed?
A detailed medical history and thorough eye examination are essential.Since many diseases can cause uveitis due to infectious agents, investigations are first conducted into the underlying disease. Various blood tests and imaging studies may be required. Joint evaluations with internal medicine, rheumatology, and chest diseases may be needed. Sometimes, no cause can be found, and they are referred to as idiopathic.
A detailed biomicroscopic examination, including intraocular pressure measurement and dilated fundus examination, is performed to evaluate the findings of uveitis in the eye. Imaging techniques such as fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) provide valuable information in determining whether uveitis affects the retina, assessing the presence and degree of retinopathy, determining the direction of treatment, and evaluating the response to treatment.
OCT is an imaging technique that scans the central vision in thin sections using laser and provides results within a short period. It is very useful in evaluating the presence of edema in the central vision area, the formation of membranes on the macula, and the presence of holes in the macula. It is also used to assess the response to treatment.
FFA is a contrast-free angiography performed by injecting contrast material into the patient's arm to better examine the retina's vascular structure. It is a very useful method in detecting infection foci in the retina or choroid, determining the presence of ischemic areas, identifying new blood vessel formations on the retina and optic nerve, and detecting leaking vessels.
How is Uveitis Treated?
First and foremost, treatment should be directed at the underlying cause.Effective oral or systemic treatments are administered for the infectious agent.
In addition to topical medications (steroid drops, pupil-dilating drops) based on the eye's symptoms, systemic treatment is administered in the presence of intermediate or posterior uveitis. Steroid applications may be necessary in the presence of inflammation in the vitreous or macular edema.
Anterior uveitis generally responds well to treatment. In posterior uveitis, longer-term and more intensive treatments may be required.
If left untreated, uveitis can lead to consequences such as glaucoma, cataracts, and the formation of new blood vessels, resulting in permanent vision loss. Regular follow-up of uveitis patients is essential.