Uveitis Treatment

Uveal tract is the vascular middle coat of the eye ball. Inflammation of the uveal tract is called as uveitis. Usually occurs if there is associated systemic disease in the patient either an autoimmune disease or an infective disease . The uvea is made up of the iris , the ciliary body and the choroid. When any part of the uvea becomes inflamed then it is called uveitis. The inflammation in the uvea very often affects other parts of the eye also eg. Retina. Uveitis is also associated with systemic diseases like Behceti's disease , sarcoidosis and toxoplasmosis. Cause of Uveitis ? It may result from an infection such as a virus ( eg. Herpes ) or a fungus ( eg. Histoplasmosis ). It may be due to a parasite such as toxoplasmosis. It may be related to autoimmune disease with or without involvement of other part of body. Trauma to the eye even if it was in the past can lead to uveitis. But in many cases the causes it said to be unknown. The word idiopathic may often be used to describe this group. Type of Uveitis Anterior Uveitis This type affect the front of the eye normally the iris (iritis ) or the ciliary body ( iridocyclitis ). Iritis is the most common type of uveitis and also the most readily treated. Iritis is something that needs close monitering because complications such as raised intraocular pressure and cataract can occur. Intermediate Uveitis This type affects the area just behind the ciliary body ( pars plana) and also the most forward edge of retina. This is the next most common type of uveitis Posterior uveitis This type occurs when the inflammation affects the part of the uvea at the back of the eye, the choroid. Often the refina is affected much more in this group. The choroid is basically a layer rich in small blood vessels which supplies blood to the retina How is Uveitis treated ? The treatment aims to achieve the following Relief of pain and discomfort To prevent vision loss due to the disease or due to its complication To treat the cause of disease where possible. Like the diverse nature of uveitis, the treatment may differ from case to case quite considerably. Corticosteroids are often the main stray of treatment but newer drugs are also being administered usually along with the steroids. Uveitis as a disease should be regarded as incurable in the sense that it will never completely go away but can definitely be controlled