Uveitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.
The uvea consists of three main structures: the iris (which determines eye color), the ciliary body (which controls the lens and produces aqueous humor), and the choroid (which provides nutrients to the retina). Inflammation in these tissues can lead to various symptoms, including eye redness, pain, and decreased visual acuity.
Types of Uveitis
가장 흔한 유형으로, 전체 포도막염의 약 50~60%를 차지합니다.
Inflammation occurs in the iris and the anterior part of the ciliary body.
It is also referred to as iritis, anterior uveitis, or iridocyclitis.
Inflammation occurs in the posterior part of the ciliary body and the vitreous.
The primary symptom is floaters, while pain and redness are typically less common.
This condition is relatively frequent in young adults and children, and the cause is often idiopathic (unknown).
If accompanied by macular edema, it can lead to decreased visual acuity.
Inflammation occurs in the choroid and the retina. It is frequently caused by infections—such as toxoplasmosis, viruses, or tuberculosis—or autoimmune diseases.
Common symptoms include decreased visual acuity, floaters, and visual field defects. If the inflammation involves the macula or the optic nerve, it can result in severe and permanent vision loss.
Inflammation occurs extensively throughout the entire uvea, including the anterior chamber, vitreous, and the retina/choroid.
As the most severe form of uveitis, it is often associated with systemic conditions such as Behçet’s disease and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. It can be challenging to treat, and the visual prognosis may be poor.
Uveitis Symptoms
The symptoms of uveitis vary depending on the location of the inflammation, its cause, and whether it is acute or chronic.
It may occur in only one eye, or it may appear in both eyes simultaneously or alternately.
Redness of the sclera occurs, characteristically presenting as ciliary flush, where the redness is more intense around the corneal limbus.
(the area surrounding the iris).
Patients experience a throbbing or aching sensation.
The pain may be exacerbated by eye movement or exposure to light (photophobia).
The eye becomes hypersensitive to light,
causing significant discomfort or a stinging sensation in bright environments. Pain may also
occur during pupillary constriction.
Patients perceive spots, threads, or cobweb-like structures drifting across their field of vision.
This symptom is common in cases of
intermediate and posterior uveitis.
In cases of posterior uveitis, patients may experience dark spots
or a loss of vision in areas that correspond to
the damaged parts of the retina.
Depending on the severity and location of the inflammation, symptoms can range from mild blurring to profound vision loss.
If the inflammation involves the macula or the optic nerve,
central vision can be significantly diminished.
Causes of Uveitis
Infectious Cause
Virus: Herpes, CMV (cytomegalovirus), varicella-zoster virus, etc.
Bacteria: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Treponema pallidum, etc.
FungiFungal infections can occur, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
ParasiteToxoplasma, etc.
Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Behçet's disease, and ankylosing spondylitis are
among the primary causes of uveitis.
Inflammatory Disease
Inflammatory diseases such as uveitis, Crohn's disease,
and multiple sclerosis
can cause uveitis.
Eye Trauma
It can occur due to external trauma or after surgery. Trauma to the eye
can cause uveitis.
Drug Reaction
An allergic reaction to certain medications
can cause uveitis.
Idiopathic
Despite thorough examinations, a significant number of cases remain unexplained.
Uveitis Diagnosis/Examination
시력, 안압, 세극등검사, 안저검사 등을 시행
Fundus photography, retinal angiography,
Optical coherence tomography
Depending on the type of inflammation, blood tests, urine tests, radiography, or consultations with other departments
such as rheumatology may be performed.
Treatment of Uveitis
In acute anterior uveitis, steroid eye drops are used to prevent pain and complications. If inflammation is severe and vision loss is a concern, systemic steroid medications are administered, and immunosuppressants may also be required. Intraocular or periocular drug injections may be performed. Generally, severe uveitis involving the retina often requires systemic treatment.
Prevention Guidelines for Uveitis
If you have systemic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, Behçet's disease, or sarcoidosis, we manage your condition
effectively through collaboration with rheumatology, pulmonology, and other departments.
Do not discontinue eye drops or medication on your own even if symptoms improve.
Suddenly stopping steroids may cause inflammation to recur.
If you have a history of uveitis, get regular eye exams even if you have no symptoms to detect recurrence or complications early.
Acute uveitis often resolves completely with appropriate treatment. However, recurrence is common depending on the cause, and some cases follow a chronic course.
The treatment goals are often ‘inflammation control’ and ‘relapse management’ rather than a cure, requiring long-term follow-up.
Without proper treatment, complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular edema, and retinal damage can lead to permanent vision loss.
Early diagnosis and proactive treatment are key to preserving vision.
Steroid eye drops are effective for treating uveitis, but long-term use carries risks of increased intraocular pressure (steroid-induced glaucoma) and cataracts.
Use them only as directed by your doctor and have your intraocular pressure measured regularly. Do not stop or continue use arbitrarily.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the eye's surface (conjunctiva), primarily causing itching, discharge, and redness, with minimal impact on vision.
Uveitis is inflammation within the eye, accompanied by pain, sensitivity to light, and vision loss; if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
Although symptoms may appear similar, the causes and severity differ, making accurate diagnosis crucial.
Check out the blog below for more information on eye health.
