Uveitis is a condition that involves swelling and inflammation of the eye. It is associated with autoimmune disorders, like Crohn's and Kawasaki diseases, sarcoidosis, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis. Luckily, eye doctors diagnose and treat symptoms to prevent complications. If you have an autoimmune disorder, here’s all you need to know about uveitis to identify potential problems.

What to Know About Uveitis

What is it?

Uveitis is the inflammation of the "uvea," or the middle layer of the eye. The uvea is sandwiched between the retina, or inner layer, and the sclera, the white outer layer, and includes the iris. The layer adjusts your vision to different light levels and helps you focus on objects at different distances. Symptoms of this inflammatory condition include redness, discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.

What causes it?

The cause varies depending on the part of the eye affected.

For instance, the inflammation can arise from a viral or bacterial infection, including herpes simplex and the West Nile virus. It may also result from the body attacking itself because of an autoimmune disorder, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and rheumatoid arthritis. Bruising due to injuries can also lead to inflammation.

Why does it require treatment?

The inflammation could lead to retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma, which can permanently impair your vision or lead to blindness. It is therefore essential to consult an ophthalmologist if you develop redness, blurry vision, and eye pain that does not clear up after a few days. 

How do eye doctors treat uveitis?

If the condition isn’t caused by an infection, treatment methods include wearing dark glasses to reduce vision strain, eye drops to dilate the pupil and ease pain, and steroid eye drops to reduce swelling.

To treat body-wide infections, your eye doctor may refer you to a physician to prescribe antibiotics, or to a specialist in autoimmune conditions. For serious cases that affect the back of the uvea, medical professionals may recommend oral or injected steroids.

If you experience unusual vision symptoms, contact Medical Eye Associates, S.C. With locations in Waukesha, Mukwonago, Oconomowoc, and Wauwatosa, WI, this optometry practice has served patients since 1939. Their eye doctors offer compassionate and dedicated vision care, including eye exams and treatment of ocular diseases. Learn more about the practice on their website, or call (262) 547-3352 to make an appointment.