What is Uveitis and what causes it ?

Uveitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye. The uvea consists of the iris (colored part of the eye), ciliary body (produces the fluid within the eye), and the choroid (provides blood supply to the retina). Uveitis can affect one or both eyes and may cause various symptoms depending on the specific part of the uvea involved.

The causes of uveitis can be classified into several categories:

Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders: Uveitis often occurs as a result of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Examples include:

Ankylosing spondylitis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
Sarcoidosis
Behçet’s disease
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome

Infections: Infections can also lead to uveitis. Certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can trigger an inflammatory response in the eye. Examples include:

Herpes simplex virus
Varicella-zoster virus
Toxoplasmosis
Tuberculosis
Lyme disease
Syphilis

Trauma or injury: Uveitis can develop following an eye injury, particularly if there is damage to the uvea. Inflammation may occur immediately after the injury or develop later.
Idiopathic uveitis: In some cases, the cause of uveitis remains unknown, and it is referred to as idiopathic uveitis.

Uveitis can be classified based on the part of the uvea affected:

Anterior uveitis (iritis): Inflammation of the iris and/or the ciliary body. It is the most common form of uveitis and may be associated with eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
Intermediate uveitis (pars planitis): Inflammation of the ciliary body and surrounding structures. Symptoms may include floaters (spots in vision), blurred vision, and occasionally mild eye pain.
Posterior uveitis: Inflammation of the choroid and/or retina. It can cause blurred vision, floaters, and in severe cases, vision loss.
Panuveitis: Inflammation involving all layers of the uvea. Symptoms may vary depending on the specific structures affected.

If uveitis is suspected, it is essential to seek prompt evaluation and treatment by an ophthalmologist. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications that could lead to vision loss. Treatment options may include corticosteroid eye drops, oral medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressive agents), or in severe cases, injectable medications or surgery. The specific treatment approach depends on the underlying cause and severity of the uveitis.