Whenever someone experiences persistent redness, swelling, or irritation in the eye, most of the time, patients assume it to be a minor issue, like an allergy or eye strain. However, what if these symptoms indicate something serious?
One such condition that affects people is uveitis, an inflammation in the middle layer of the eye, which leads to vision loss if left untreated. However, one common question that arises is, “Is uveitis an actual eye disease or a symptom of some other disorder?“
In this blog, we will explore the answer to this question and understand what uveitis is, in what ways it affects people, and why getting help from a vision care centre in Kolkata like Susrut Eye Foundation and Research Centre is necessary.
Understanding Uveitis
Uveitis is characterised by inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris (coloured layer of the eye), the ciliary body, and the choroid. It can affect one eye or both eyes, affecting people of all ages, even the younger ones.
There are different types of uveitis depending on which area of the uvea is affected.
- Anterior: Affects the front part of the uvea, especially the iris and sometimes the ciliary body. It is the most common type of uveitis and appears suddenly.
- Intermediate: It involves the vitreous (the gel-like substance in the eye) and the peripheral retina. It is chronic and often develops gradually over time.
- Posterior: Affects the layers at the back of the eye, primarily the choroid and the retina. If not treated at the right time, it leads to serious vision complications.
- Panuveitis: As it affects all the parts of the uvea, it is the most severe form and requires aggressive treatment to manage inflammation and vision loss.
When To Seek Medical Attention?
If you experience the following symptoms, it is important to seek immediate treatment from a specialist at a vision care centre in Kolkata.
- Sharp and throbbing pain in the eye
- Blurred and distorted vision
- Redness in the pupil
- Sensitivity to light
- Visible dark patches that float
- A feeling of pressure in or around the eye
- Excessive watering
- Frequent headaches
In most cases, the symptoms indicate eye conditions like uveitis. Prompt care not only helps with inflammation but also protects the long-term and overall health of the eye.
Uveitis: Disease or Symptom
In most cases, uveitis is an eye disease itself, more specifically an inflammation of the eye. It can either be acute, where the symptoms appear suddenly and resolve in a short period of time, or chronic when the symptoms persist and recur.
During treatment at a vision care centre in Kolkata, uveitis is managed as an ocular condition. The primary goal of treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation through medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and homatropine. Early treatment is important to prevent complications like cataracts, glaucoma, and nerve damage, which potentially lead to permanent vision loss.
Uveitis as a Symptom
In some cases, uveitis is a side effect of medications or a symptom of conditions that affect multiple systems of the body or the whole body (systemic). There are autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation in the body, including the eyes. When this happens, uveitis is an indicator of a serious underlying health issue.
Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that are linked to uveitis are as follows:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Sarcoidosis.
- Behçet’s disease.
- Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).
- Tubulo-interstitial nephritis (TINU).
In such situations, only managing the eye is not enough. A multi-specialist approach is needed to identify and treat the root cause.
Final Words
To conclude, uveitis is not only an eye disorder but also a symptom of other conditions. In either case, it is a critical issue and must not be neglected. Hence, reach out to a specialist at a vision care centre in Kolkata at Susrut Eye Foundation and Research Centre for expert evaluation.