Uveitis
Description: The inflammation of the eye’s uvea (the middle layer located between the sclera and retina that consists of the iris, ciliary body and choroid). It is reported to feel like having the inflammation from a burn but inside the eye. The uvea provides most of the blood supply to the retina.
Classifications: The degree of vision loss depends on the amount and location of scarring. There are different classifications of uveitis which are determined by which part of the uvea it affects. They are as follows:
Anterior Inflammation of the iris (iritis)
Usually limited to the iris
Most common form of uveitis
Intermediate Inflammation of the ciliary body
Posterior Inflammation of the choroid
Diffuse Inflammation in all areas
Symptoms: Likely to affect only one part of the eye
Mild to strong pain
Redness and light sensitivity
Vision may be blurred
Eye pain
Causes: Autoimmune disorders
Infection from a virus (herpes)
Exposure to toxins or parasites (toxoplasmosis)
Fungus (histoplasmosis)
Trauma
In many cases it is unknown
Treatment: The aims of treatment are to achieve relief of pain and discomfort, prevent sight loss due to the disease or its complications, and to treat the cause of the disease where possible. Current treatments include the use of corticosteroids and various eye-drops.
Risk Factors: People from 20 – 50 years old
280,000 people are affected each year
5 – 10 % of all cases occur in children under 16 years of age
Develops with age
Interesting fact: Uvea is derived from the Latin word for grapes because of its appearance.
Sources:
“What is Uveitis?”. Occular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation. June 27, 2007,
http://www.uveitis.org/kids/EYE-brary/article2.htm.
“Uveitis”. Medline Plus. 2006. Medical Encyclopedia. June 28, 2007.
http://nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001005.htm.
“Uveitis” Merck Manual Professional. June28, 2007. http://www.merck.com.
“Uveitis, Evaluation and Treatment”. 2006. Emedicine from WebMD. June 27, 2007.
http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic581.htm.
“What is Uveitis?” 2006. Royal National Institute of Blind People. June 28, 2007.
http://rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/PublicWebsite/public_rnib00366