Eye Care

All about Uveitis: Symptoms, Causes and Complications

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.

Symptoms of Uveitis

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.

Common Causes

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.

Complications Involved

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

Dr. Richard Snively

Recent Posts

Signs Your Eyes Could Benefit from Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses, characterized by their seamless transition across multiple vision zones without the visible lines…

6 hours ago

Can Dry Eyes Cause Lasting Damage?

Dry eyes are commonly dismissed as a mere discomfort. But, by understanding the underlying causes,…

3 days ago

How Often Do Seniors Need to Have Their Eyes Checked?

It's inevitable that once-sharp eyes will become blurred and marred with symptoms of eye problems…

1 week ago

Contact Lens Hygiene 101

Contact lenses afford many people the convenience of corrected vision without the constraint of eyeglasses.…

1 month ago

How Smoking Affects Your Eye Health

Smoking has well-documented effects on general health, including lung disease, heart disease, and an increased…

1 month ago

Managing Seasonal Eye Allergies: Tips From Optometrists

Seasonal eye allergies are a common ailment that many of us face, especially with the…

1 month ago