Uveitis

What Is Uveitis? 

Uveitis is the inflammation in the vascular layer of the eye. It may recur from time to time after treatment. Iridocyclitis, inflammations that occur in the anterior of the eye, responds early and well to the treatment.  Inflammations which are in the posterior of the eye is called “posterior uveitis” and may cause serious, permanent loss of vision.

In most cases, causes that lead to uveitis can not be determined. In some cases, there may be an accompanying rheumatic or infectious disease. These diseases include infectious diseases such as syphilis, tuberculosis, brucellosis, herpes, and AIDS, and systemic diseases like collagen tissue disorders and autoimmune-related disorders. Additionally, Behcet’s disease, sarcoidosis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis are common examples of these diseases in Turkey. A detailed evaluation may be required to detect the underlying disease.

Symptoms of uveitis are redness in the eye, sensitivity to light, blurred vision or reduced vision, pain around the eye and floaters. If the disease is located centrally, it is mostly manifested as visual impairment.

Which medications are used in the treatment of uveitis?

When isolated, idiopathic or systemic diseases exist, treatment of uveitis starts after a detailed examination. The treatment of etiology is very important. For example, when uveitis is caused by tuberculosis infection, treatment for tuberculosis infection must be performed with uveitis treatment.

In the treatment of uveitis, usually corticosteroid drops and sometimes pomades are used. Oral or intravenous systemic corticosteroids may be administered, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections may be performed around the eye. Corticosteroids have serious adverse effects and should be discontinued by decreasing gradually. Pupil dilating drops are used to prevent adhesions in the pupil and relieve the pain around the eyes. Immunosuppressants are used alone or in combination with cortisone. Corticosteroid drops, as well as pupil dilating drops, are used to prevent adhesions and relieve the pain around the eyes. Close follow-up and regular controls are substantial in the treatment of the disease.