How Uveitis Can Affect Your Vision: Preventative Steps and Risks
Uveitis is a type of eye inflammation that affects the uvea, which is the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall. If left untreated, uveitis can result in permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preserving vision, so it's important to be aware of preventive measures and the risks associated with this condition.
Causes and Risk Factors for Developing Uveitis
In about half of uveitis cases, there is no clear cause. If a cause is determined, it’s usually one of the following:
- An autoimmune or inflammatory disorder, such as lupus or Crohn’s disease
- Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory disease that impacts the spine
- An infection, such as syphilis
- A side effect of certain medications
- An eye injury or surgery
- In rare cases, ocular cancer
People with specific gene changes have a higher risk of developing uveitis. Additionally, cigarette smoking is associated with more difficulty controlling uveitis.
Is Uveitis Preventable?
Unfortunately, uveitis isn’t preventable. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. For example, you can:
- Wear eye protection to prevent or reduce the severity of eye issues
- Treat infections when possible so they don’t worsen or spread
- Get regular eye exams to detect any eye issues early
Uveitis Symptoms and Treatments
Uveitis symptoms depend on which area of your eye is affected. Cases can be organized as anterior, intermediate, and posterior. Anterior is the most common form of uveitis, impacting the iris and ciliary body. Symptoms include:
- Eye pain
- Eye irritation
- Eye redness
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Pupil shape changes
You may also experience an increase in floaters, missing sections in your field of vision, or decreased vision. Treatment options include pain control, inflammation reduction using steroids, and antiviral medications.
Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist
The sooner uveitis is detected and treated, the better your vision outcomes will be. At the Retina Group of Florida, we specialize in diagnosing and treating retinal conditions, including uveitis. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Naples, or another one of our Florida retina center locations, contact us today.
