Uveitis involves swelling of the uveal tract. This is the region in the eye comprised of the iris, ciliary body and the choroid. Take note that the uvea contains most of the blood vessels of the eye.
What are the causes?
Uveitis is usually triggered by the inflammatory response within the eye. The ensuing inflammation is how the body responds to tissue damage. It results to redness, swelling and warmth. The condition can be caused by the following:
- Eye injuries
- Attack by the body’s own immune system
- Infection or tumors within the eye or other parts of the body
In half of the cases, there is no specific cause.
Indications of uveitis
It is important to note that the symptoms of uveitis tend to vary depending on the type the individual is diagnosed with.
Anterior uveitis
- Eye pain (this is felt as a dull sensation in and around the affected eye)
- Redness
- Photophobia (sensitivity to bright lights)
Some individuals develop blurry vision or even minimal visual loss and even headaches. The pupil of the affected eye might change shape and does not react to light normally or even lose its smooth rounded shape. In addition, the eye can become watery. These symptoms typically develop over a few hours or days.
Intermediate
In this type of uveitis, both eyes are usually involved.
- Painless blurred vision
- Floaters (these are dark shapes that are present especially when looking at a radiantly lit background)
Posterior
In most cases, only one eye is affected and the symptoms take a longer time to develop.
- There is blurred vision but painless
- Some have severe visual loss
- Floaters
- Scotomata (small areas of diminished sensitivity or absent vision in the visual field)