A form of eye inflammation, uveitis affects the uvea or the middle part of the eyes. Although it is not a very common eye problem, it is the cause of about 15% of blindness, which means it must be managed carefully. Vienna Eyecare Center, the most trusted name for eye care in the region, discusses everything you need to know about uveitis, particularly its symptoms, causes and complications involved.
The uvea is located beneath the sclera or the white part of our eyes. Composed of the iris, ciliary body and choroid. These structures are responsible for a number of eye functions, including adjusting to different levels of light of distances of objects. The uvea, in its entirety, also supplies nutrients to other parts of the eye that lacks inherent blood supply, such as the outer retina, sclera, and lens.
Symptoms of uveitis include blurry vision, floaters, reduced visual capabilities, light sensitivity, as well as eye pain and redness. Since some of them develop gradually or occur all at once, it’s best to visit an optometrist for an eye exam to catch the signs.
Most uveitis cases have no known cause, although, in some patients, the inflammation can be caused by an autoimmune disorder, an infection, a side effect of a medication, or an eye injury or surgery. Lymphoma or any cancer that affects the eye can also be a cause of uveitis, but this happens very rarely.
When diagnosed with uveitis by an eye doctor, a patient should receive treatment right away to manage the symptoms and avoid further complications. Otherwise, they may suffer from severe vision-related problems, the worst being blindness. Other complications may include retinal swelling or detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and even optic nerve damage.
If you think you have uveitis or at risk of any other eye problems, feel free to contact us at Vienna Eyecare Center. To schedule an appointment with our eye specialists, give us a call at (703) 688-700
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