Diseases & Treatments

Uveitis

Uveitis is the inflammation of the pigmented parts of the eye; namely the iris, ciliary body and choroid. This inflammation may also affect the adjacent parts to the uvea. Uveitis is a serious eye disease that requires immediate attention. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Uveitis can sometimes occur due to infection by a microorganism, and sometimes due to diseases related to the body's immunity. Among these diseases, Behçet's disease is the most common in our country.

Complaints may range from eye redness, pain, watering, light sensitivity to flying flies and blurred vision.

There are several risk factors that predispose to uveitis. These include genetic predisposition, infection, trauma and rheumatological diseases. Uveitis is common with diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, and mostly Behçet's disease.

If untreated, various damages such as vision loss, cataract, glaucoma (increased eye pressure), corneal opacity, edematous changes in nerve layer, membrane formations, retinal tear and retinal detachment may occur.

Treatment is determined by the type of uveitis. If uveitis is caused by an infection, the infection should be treated first. If there is no infection, cortisone drugs are usually used in the treatment. While eye drops are usually given in anterior uveitis, it is necessary to give pill or intravenous treatment in posterior uveitis. Depending on the condition of the disease, eye injections can also be applied. In some cases, retinal surgeries (vitrectomy) may also be necessary. In the presence of rheumatological diseases, treatment should also be given accordingly.

 

With early diagnosis and treatment, vision loss due to uveitis can be prevented. Since uveitis may be a recurrent disease, long-term follow-up is extremely important.