Sophia Lazar
7/22/2024
Uveitis
Uveitis, a leading cause of blindness, occurs when the eye's middle layer (the uvea) becomes inflamed. This swelling can distort the eyeball's shape, potentially leading to permanent vision loss. While the exact cause of uveitis often remains unknown, it is frequently associated with conditions like toxoplasmosis, shingles, herpes, syphilis, Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and various autoimmune disorders.
There are three main types of uveitis: anterior, intermediate, and posterior. Each type affects a different part of the uvea—front, middle, or back—and presents with symptoms such as red eyes, extreme sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and floating specks in your line of sight. If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention is crucial. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to preventing long-term damage (Boyd).
An eye doctor can diagnose uveitis using specialized tests and imaging. While there's no cure, treatment—often in the form of eye drops or injections—can reduce the inflammation. When uveitis is linked to another condition, treating that underlying issue may help alleviate its effects. However, if left untreated, uveitis can lead to severe complications, including retinal detachment, retinal scarring, optic nerve damage, cataracts, and glaucoma. Cataracts are the most common of these, but 30% of patients with uveitis will also require treatment for glaucoma (see previous Mission Sight blog for more details).
Uveitis can be recurrent, much like toxoplasmosis (discussed in our last Mission Sight blog). This means that even if the condition subsides, it may return. Out of the 4 million cases of uveitis annually, over 100,000 occur in the U.S., and the condition accounts for 10% of all cases of legal blindness in the country. These statistics are significant, underscoring the importance of regular eye exams, protective eyewear, and prompt treatment of infections to minimize risk (Cleveland Clinic).
By staying informed and proactive about eye health, you can take vital steps to manage and mitigate the impact of uveitis, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your vision.
Bibliography
Boyd, Kierstan Academy of. "What Is Uveitis?" American Academy of Ophtamology, American Academy of Opthamology, 28 Dec. 2022, www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-uveitis. Accessed 26 July 2024.
"Uveitis." Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14414-uveitis. Accessed 26 July 2024.
"Uveitis - Symptoms & Causes." Mayoclinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 Mar. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uveitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378734. Accessed 26 July 2024.
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