Uveitis is an inflammatory eye condition due to injury or an autoimmune disorder. Also, toxins or infections can lead to inflammation of the eye. The eye condition is characterized by inflammation in the uvea, the middle layer of our eye. This inflammation can occur in all three structures of the uvea. Otherwise, one of these structures may get affected. Read on to know more about uveities of the eye and its types and treatment.
The region of uvea consists of three structures which include:
- Choroids – A thin membrane containing the blood vessels of the eye present between the sclera (eye white) and inner retina
- Ciliary body – Muscle body which supports the iris and also helps in focusing the lens
- Iris – Colored region of the eye which surrounds the pupil
Types of the Uveitis of the Eye
The eye inflammatory condition has four types which include:
- Choroiditis – Inflammation of the eye layer which is present beneath the retina. Also, it may be caused by an infection like tuberculosis.
- Retinitis – This primarily affects the back portion of the eye. It may progress rapidly which makes it difficult to treat. This may occur due to viruses like herpes or shingles and bacterial infections like toxoplasmosis or syphilis
- Cyclitis – This affects the middle part of the eye. Also, it may affect the muscle which focuses the lens. This may suddenly develop and last for months.
- Iritis – This is the most common form of uveitis. It primarily affects the iris and occurs due to autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. It may suddenly develop and may last for weeks, even with treatment.
Treatment of Uveitis
Treatment for uveitis primarily aims to achieve the following:
- To treat the cause of the disease where possible
- prevent sight loss due to the disease or its complications
- Relief of pain and discomfort (where present)