The eye has three distinct layers. The innermost layer is the retina and contains photoreceptors that detect light and send images to the brain. The middle layer is the uvea. It includes the iris, which determines your eye color, and the choroid, which supplies blood to the retina. The outermost layer is the strong white wall of the eye called the sclera.
Uveitis is inflammation in the uveal tract of the eye. Symptoms of uveitis include pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, floaters, and redness of the eye. Uveitis can affect people of all ages and affect one or both eyes. Uveitis can be caused by many things including trauma, autoimmune diseases, by other diseases affecting the body, or infections from viruses, fungus, or parasites. Many times, the cause of uveitis can not be determined.
Uveitis is diagnosed by a careful eye exam. Your eye doctor may use eye drops, injections of medicine or oral medicines to treat uveitis. Sometimes uveitis can be caused by infections or by other systemic diseases. Your eye doctor may ask about other medical conditions, order other blood tests, x-rays, or work with your primary care doctor to diagnose and treat the uveitis. Uveitis can lead to permanent eye damage and vision loss if not treated. Other eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataract, cystoid macular edema, or retinal detachment can be a complication of uveitis.
