Anterior Uveitis
(Uveitis; Iritis; Iridocyclitis)
How to Say It: You-vee-eye-tis
Definition
Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer (uvea) of the eye. Care is needed right away to prevent vision loss.
Normal Anatomy of the EyeCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Causes TOP
In some people, the cause is not known. In others, it may be caused by trauma linked to other health problems, such as:
- Lyme disease
- Syphilis
- Tuberculosis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Herpes viruses
Risk Factors TOP
This problem is more common in people who are 20 to 40 years of age. People who have a specific faulty gene are also at higher risk.
Symptoms TOP
Problems may be:
- Red, sore, and watering eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Changes in pupil shape
Symptoms of Uveitis—Red, Sore, Watering EyesCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Diagnosis TOP
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. An eye exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Treatment TOP
Any underlying causes will be treated. The overall goal of treatment is to ease symptoms until the problem goes away. Options are:
Medications
Medicine may be given to:
- Eye drops to widen the pupils in order to ease pain
- Corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease inflammation
- Lower pressure in the eye
Rarely, people who are not helped by these methods may need surgery.
RESOURCES:
Iritis Organization
http://www.iritis.org
National Eye Institute
http://www.nei.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Optometrists
https://opto.ca
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
http://www.cos-sco.ca
REFERENCES:
Anterior uveitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/anterior-uveitis. Accessed August 17, 2021.
Facts about uveitis. National Eye Institute (NEI) website. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/uveitis. Accessed August 17, 2021.
Iritis overview. Iritis Organization website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed August 17, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
James Cornell, MD
Last Updated: 8/17/2021