Uveitis or Iritis and Inflammation of Eyes

Eyes | Ophthalmology | Uveitis or Iritis and Inflammation of Eyes (Disease)


Description

Uveitis is inflammation of the uveal tract, which consists of the iris (iritis), ciliary body (cyclic) and choroid (choroiditis). Inflammatory diseases of the eye can, however, locate the retina (retina) or retinal vasculature (retinal vasculitis). Intraocular inflammation is classified by the predominant presence of signs of inflammation in the anterior segment, posterior or their presence in both segments eye on: Anterior uveitis;Posterior uveitis. Uveitis can be classified as follows: Acute or chronic uveitis, granulomatous uveitis or no granulomatous. In general, the uveitis is immunological, but in a significant number of patients with AIDS or other immune disorders, the primary cause is previous infection.

Causes and Risk factors

Uveitis may occur without any identified cause, but it is often caused by autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), inflammatory conditions (Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis), trauma, and infections (toxoplasmosis, syphilis, tuberculosis).

Inflammatory lesions may be localized to the retina or choroid. Recent lesions are yellow with blurry edges, while old lesions better defined edges and are usually pigmented. Retinal thickening of vessel walls may occur adjacent to these regions or the most extensive territory. In severe cases, vitreous opacities obscure retinal detail. Diminishing vision may be due to obscurity or vitreous opacities, inflammatory lesions involving the macula, macular edema, retinal vein occlusion or optic neuropathy often associated.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Typically, anterior uveitis responds to treatment with topical corticosteroids. Sometimes it may be necessary the steroid injections or systemic steroids in the eyes. Pupil dilation is important to relieve discomfort and prevent posterior sequelae. Posterior uveitis requiring systemic corticosteroids more frequently and sometimes systemic immunosuppression with azathioprine or cyclosporine. ...