【Causes・Disease】

Uveitis is a generic term for diseases that cause inflammation in the eye. The three tissues of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid are called the uvea, uveitis is an eye disease that inflammation occurs in these tissues. Uveitis is also called ” endophthalmitis “. There are various causes, some of which can lead to blindness.

Structure of the uvea
・Iris: The brown part of the eye that regulates the amount of light.
・Ciliary body: It supports and focuses the lens, and also plays a role in producing aqueous humor.
・Choroid: It is located outside the retina and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the retina.

There are several types of causes of uveitis. The first is endogenous and non-infectious, it is caused by systemic immune abnormalities such as sarcoidosis, Harada disease, and Behcet disease. The second is exogenous and infectious, such as bacterial endophthalmitis and Herpes zoster iridocyclitis which are caused by bacteria and viruses. In scleritis, both systemic immune abnormalities and infections can be a factor. The third is neoplastic disease, malignant tumors such as intraocular lymphoma.
However, even if uveitis is diagnosed, one in three people do not know the causes.

【Symptoms】

Symptoms of uveitis include decreased vision, eye pain, congestion, and floating mosquitoes. Inflammatory cells infiltrate the clear anterior chamber and vitreous in the eye, causing symptoms such as a blurry vision or a dazzling feeling. Symptoms can occur in one eye, both eyes, or both eyes alternately. The progress of symptoms varies from gradually worsening to temporarily improving but recurring.

【treatment】

Treatment of uveitis is basically medicine treatment with eye drops, injections, and oral medications. Although the treatment method and duration of treatment vary depending on the type and severity of uveitis, steroid eye drops and mydriatic eye drops are used as topical treatments to suppress inflammation. When the inflammation of the anterior eye is severe, a subconjunctival injection may be performed, and when the inflammation of the posterior eye is severe, a sub-Tenon injection may be performed. In addition, when eye inflammation is severe, steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and biological preparations are administered (intravenous injections).

【Summary】

Uveitis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in a key part of the inside of the eye, early diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining vision. There are many causes, symptoms, and treatments, so it is essential to see a professional doctor and treat it. Uveitis is a disease in which poorly controlled inflammation can damage the tissues inside the eye and lead to blindness. If you notice any abnormalities in your vision, it is important to see an ophthalmologist immediately and receive treatment.