Can uveitis cause blindness?

If left untreated, uveitis can lead to serious complications including glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal damage that may result in permanent vision loss. Early treatment is crucial to protect vision.

Is uveitis a lifelong condition?

Some forms of uveitis are acute and resolve with treatment. However, many cases are chronic or recurrent, requiring ongoing monitoring and intermittent treatment to prevent flare-ups and complications.

Can uveitis affect both eyes?

Yes, uveitis can affect one or both eyes. Bilateral uveitis is more common in cases associated with systemic autoimmune conditions.

Eye & EarICD-10: H20Affects approximately 38 per 100,000 people annually in the US

Uveitis

Also known as: Iritis, Intraocular inflammation

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can cause eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Uveitis can result from infections, autoimmune diseases, or trauma, and requires prompt treatment to prevent vision-threatening complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage.

Symptoms

Eye redness

Eye pain

Blurred vision

Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Floaters or dark spots in vision

Decreased vision

Headache

Causes

Autoimmune conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis, or lupus
Infections including herpes virus, tuberculosis, or toxoplasmosis
Eye injury or trauma
Idiopathic with no identifiable cause in many cases

Risk Factors

Autoimmune or inflammatory diseases
History of eye surgery or injury
Infections that can spread to the eye
Smoking
Certain genetic markers such as HLA-B27

Diagnosis

Comprehensive eye examination with slit-lamp biomicroscopy
Measurement of intraocular pressure
Blood tests for autoimmune markers and infectious causes
Imaging such as OCT or fluorescein angiography
Chest X-ray to check for sarcoidosis or tuberculosis

Treatment

Corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation
Cycloplegic drops to relieve pain and prevent adhesions
Systemic corticosteroids for severe or posterior uveitis
Immunosuppressive medications for chronic or recurrent cases
Biologic agents for refractory disease
Treatment of underlying infectious or autoimmune cause

Prevention

No general prevention, but managing underlying conditions reduces flare risk
Regular eye exams for those with autoimmune conditions
Prompt treatment of eye infections or injuries

When to See a Doctor

Sudden eye redness with pain and blurred vision
Sensitivity to light with vision changes
Recurrent episodes of eye inflammation
Any sudden decrease in vision

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Sarcoidosis

Autoimmune

Glaucoma

Eye & Ear

Cataracts

Eye & Ear

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

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