Uveitis - what it is, how to treat acute eye disease, causes. Uveitis (inflammation of the vascular network of the eye): photos, symptoms and treatment Other factors for the occurrence of uveitis
Uveitis is a general term for an inflammatory disease of the choroid of the eyeball. Translated from Greek “uvea” means “grape”, since in appearance the choroid of the eye resembles a bunch of grapes.
Symptoms of uveitis
Manifestations of uveitis can be different, depending on the location of the inflammatory focus, the body's resistance and the aggressiveness of the infection. With a certain combination of these factors, the manifestations of anterior uveitis can increase in a certain sequence: a slight “fog” before the eye; feeling of heaviness in the eye; significant visual impairment; redness of the eye; aching pain in the eye; narrow pupil that does not respond to light; photophobia and lacrimation; acute eye pain with increased intraocular pressure; complete blindness of the eye.With posterior uveitis, the symptoms of the disease appear late and are mild - there is no pain or redness of the eye. The eye does not turn red. Vision decreases gradually and is expressed in the appearance of a “spot” in front of the eye (scotoma), “fog” or “veil”.
Diagnosis and treatment of uveitis
An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats uveitis.Like other diseases, uveitis can be detected at an early stage. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chances of a full recovery without damage to vision. If uveitis is left untreated, it can lead to serious diseases such as cataracts (clouding of the lens) and secondary glaucoma (due to impaired outflow of intraocular fluid). With anterior uveitis, posterior synechia or fusion of the pupil often occurs (in this case, the edge of the pupil sticks to the lens in one area or along the entire circumference, as a result of which the pupil becomes uneven and stops responding to light). Posterior uveitis can lead to permanent opacification of the vitreous, damage to the retina (edema, formation of new pathological vessels, retinal detachment) or damage to the optic nerve. The second eye may be involved in the pathological process.
An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats uveitis. To confirm the diagnosis, biomicroscopic examination of the anterior segment of the eye, ophthalmoscopy of the fundus and ultrasound scanning of the eye structures are used.
The difficulty of effective treatment of uveitis is due to the fact that even with the most thorough examination, in approximately 30% of cases the true cause cannot be identified. Therefore, pharmacotherapy for uveitis has a general pathogenetic focus and includes systemic and local anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, vasodilating, immunostimulating therapy, enzyme therapy, and physiotherapy. In all cases, local treatment is prescribed in the form of eye drops, ointments, injections under the conjunctiva and into the parabulbar space. It is especially important to use drops that dilate the pupil to avoid the formation of adhesions and adhesions. In some cases, medications are required to reduce increased intraocular pressure (drops, hirudotherapy).
This approach to treatment stops the inflammatory process, but does not guarantee the elimination of relapse (exacerbation) of uveitis. Therefore, in parallel with anti-inflammatory treatment, it is necessary, if possible, to examine the body as completely as possible.
What it is?
Inflammatory processes localized on any part of the mucous membrane of the eyeball are collectively called “uveitis.” The main causes of the disease lie in impaired blood supply to the uveal tract. Most often, doctors, according to Obaglazar, have to deal with herpetic uveitis caused by bacteria or viruses, but the disease can also have a different nature. About this and more, you will learn from this article.
Uveitis of the eye can be caused by the following reasons:
- Infections;
- Systemic or syndromic disease;
- Violation of metabolic processes;
- Hormonal failure.
Infectious uveitis of all varieties of this disease, as far as ObaGlaza knows from various sources, is much more common than others. The development of the inflammatory process in the area of the choroid causes the appearance of a fungal, viral or bacterial infection in the uveal tract.
Bacteria and viruses can enter the uveal tract from other organs through the blood and lymphatic channels. Therefore, inflammation of the eye mucosa often develops due to caries, syphilis, tonsillitis, tuberculosis, sepsis or sinusitis.
Infants and the elderly most often develop infectious inflammation. Treatment of children should take place without delay, tk. at this age, the risk of losing vision is too high.
Uveitis of a non-infectious nature manifests itself in the form of a secondary pathology, which is provoked by systemic and syndromic diseases.
Various injuries to the visual organ, ingress of foreign bodies, or eye contact with chemicals can cause this disease. The disease can also occur due to a genetic predisposition to uveitis.
Metabolic and hormonal dysfunctions, notes ObaGlaza-Ru, increase the risk of the disease. The likelihood of inflammation of the eye mucosa increases in people with endocrine disorders, for example, diabetics and the fairer sex during menopause. Although men, in general, suffer from uveitis more often than women. Progressive eye diseases can trigger the inflammatory process.
If the cause of the disease cannot be established, then such uveitis is of the idiopathic type.
Disease classification (types)
With anterior uveitis, the pupil takes on an irregular shape and stops responding to light. This form of the disease is protracted and often recurs in the autumn-winter period.
If we talk about anterior rheumatoid serous uveitis, it can be noted that the clinical picture is blurred and the course of the disease is chronic. With this type of pathology, the ciliary body is destroyed, but it is rare, according to both eyes Ru.
The difference between rheumatoid uveitis is the duration of the course and poor susceptibility to medications. Therefore, it often provokes secondary eye diseases.
Peripheral uveitis is characterized by damage to both eyes. In terms of diagnosis, this type of pathology is the most difficult. Decreased vision and the appearance are accompanied by many eye diseases, and not everyone begins to sound the alarm when such symptoms are identified, while others may not exist. Plus, standard ophthalmological methods do not allow us to see the source of inflammation in detail. Peripheral uveitis acquires its most severe form in patients of childhood and adolescence.
It is extremely difficult to detect posterior uveitis at an early stage, notes obaglazaRu. Symptoms do not appear immediately, while pain in the eyes does not occur, and there are no external manifestations, and many people mistake the appearance of midges in front of the eyes and slowly decreasing vision for overwork.
More noticeable signs of pathology that appear later:
- Appearance;
- Violation of color perception.
The most severe form of uveitis, in which the entire uveal tract becomes inflamed, may be accompanied by symptoms similar to any other type of disease. This form of pathology is called iridocyclochoroiditis.
With uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, patients complain of headache, increased nervousness, and hearing loss. With sarcoidosis, the lymph nodes, lacrimal and salivary glands become enlarged. Shortness of breath and cough may occur.
Diagnosis of the disease
Treatment of iridocyclochoroiditis often requires surgery to partially or completely remove the vitreous. In situations where it is impossible to save the affected visual organ, the patient is referred for evisceration of the eyeball.
Treatment prognosis
If uveitis is treated in a timely manner, in most cases this leads to complete recovery in 20-45 days. Relapses occur due to exacerbations of primary diseases, so it is necessary to treat first of all the pathology, says ObaGlaza, which causes inflammation of the choroid. Prevention of uveitis is based on timely treatment of eye diseases, regular visits to the ophthalmologist for examinations and the exclusion of traumatic external factors.
Video: mini-lecture on uveitis
Video on the topic of this eye disease:
The human eye constantly needs oxygen and nutrients. This function in our body is performed by the choroids of the eyes. The anterior part of the choroid (iris and ciliary body) is divided into the posterior part, which is responsible for the blood supply to the retina and sclera. Ocular uveitis is a group of diseases, usually caused by infectious agents that affect the choroid of our organ of vision.
To prescribe the right medications for the treatment of ocular uveitis, you must consult an ophthalmologist. To determine the location and severity of the disease, biomicroscopy, refractometry, ophthalmoscopy and many other methods and devices are used. The patient's medical history and complaints are also collected.
The main symptoms of uveitis are as follows:
- - redness of the eye
- - feeling of heaviness
- - decreased visual acuity
- - lacrimation
- - fear of bright light
- - pain in the back of the eye (appears when the optic nerve is involved in the pathological process)
Drugs for the treatment of uveitis
Treatment for ocular uveitis depends on the cause that caused or provoked the disease. The causative agent can be a virus, bacteria, tuberculosis bacillus, or chlamydia. Sometimes uveitis manifests itself as a secondary disease of rheumatoid arthritis or tuberculosis. In rare cases, the cause of the pathology cannot be determined. Therapy is mainly aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease.
The main groups of drugs in the treatment of uveitis:
- 1) Antibiotics
- 2) Steroids
- 3) Antivirus tools
- 4) cytostatics
Treatment of anterior and posterior uveitis
As a rule, it is easier to diagnose than the posterior one. In the acute phase, the introduction of antibacterial drops into the conjunctival sac, as well as hormones and glucocorticoids, is indicated. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also used locally or internally. Treatment for posterior uveitis is almost the same.
The main drugs for the treatment of ocular uveitis are antibiotics, which suppress inflammation. Tetracyclines, macrolides (eg, clarithromycin), fluoroquinolones, and other broad-spectrum drugs are used.
Locally used drops for the treatment of uveitis. In addition to antibacterial solutions, cyclopentolate, dexamethasone, diclofenac sodium, and homatropine hydrobromide are used. The main groups of drugs for instillation are glucocorticoids, adrenomimetics, anticholinergics, NSAIDs.
To make the patient comfortable, mydriatics (atropine, tropicamide) are used.
Antibiotics and various antiviral drugs are prescribed in the form of intramuscular injections or in tablets - cycloferon, polyoxidonium, arbidol, and so on. In cases of complications, uveitis is treated with cytostatics that suppress the body's immune response - methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine (rarely) and cyclosporine, which has a more gentle effect.
Treatment of rheumatoid uveitis
It is carried out jointly with a rheumatologist. The main goal is to cure the underlying disease or eliminate its manifestations. Glucocorticoids and mydriatics are prescribed locally. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used systemically.
Medicines for the treatment of chronic uveitis
Treatment of indolent (chronic) uveitis is longer and requires the use of a whole range of medications. First of all, the underlying disease is determined, which may have been the impetus for the occurrence of inflammatory reactions. Once the diagnosis is established, all efforts are directed towards treating this pathology. Elimination of foci of infection - carious teeth, diseased tonsils - is also indicated. To suppress allergic reactions, drugs such as salicylamide, butadione, and diphenhydramine are used.
When treating uveitis, broad-spectrum antibiotics and antiviral drugs are used. Immunotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs are also used. Fibrinolysin and other drugs that help resolve inflammation are prescribed locally. If the pathological process has affected the main structures of the eye, laser treatment may be required.
Ocular uveitis is an umbrella term that unites pathologies of the eyeball, which are based on disturbances in the vascular supply. In short, the ancient Greek term “uvea” means “grape”, since the external manifestations of the disease are often similar to a bunch of grapes.
It should be understood that the membrane of the blood vessels of the eye is located between its reticular structure and the sclera. Although - in general - in this disease, disturbances in the vascular supply to the eyeball are assessed, it is necessary to distinguish between disturbances in the functionality of the bloodstream supplying the anterior (observable) membrane, or the iris - the ciliary body and the posterior vascular bed, known as the “choroid”. All of these tissues that provide blood supply to the eye are known as the uveal tract.
By code ICD-10 uveitis of the eye has an index of H20.
Causes of uveitis
The causes and triggers that contribute to uveitis have multiple causes. The most common underlying etiological factors are:
- Infection;
- Injury;
- Syndromic/systemic pathologies.
The largest niche among uveitis is occupied by diseases of an infectious nature, which account for 43.5% of cases of lesions. Triggers of infectious uveitis are mainly microorganisms such as tuberculosis pathogens, streptococcal group pathogens, toxoplasmosis pathogens, treponema pallidum, fungal infection, herpes group viruses and cytomegalovirus. Manifestations of this type of uveitis are often associated with an infection, the penetration of which into the vascular network occurs against the background of infection with tuberculosis, viral infections, syphilis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, dental caries, general sepsis, etc.
Uveitis of an allergic nature tends to develop against the background of high sensitivity to histamine factors such as allergies of food and drug origin - for example, hay fever and other similar triggers. It should be borne in mind that vaccination and the use of various types of sera are often accompanied by uveitis of a serum nature.
In addition, pathologies of natural and syndromic origin can influence the etiology of uveitis. Background diseases may include the following disorders: rheumatoid diseases, psoriasis, spondyloarthritis, sarcoidosis, glomuronephritis, autoimmune thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, as well as syndromic pathologies of uveomeningoencephalitis (Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome) or Reiter's syndrome, etc.
The photo shows a human eye with uveitis.
The post-traumatic etiology of the development of ocular uveitis is caused by such lesions as disorders of the visual organs of a concussive nature, the surfaces of the eyeball, or the penetration of foreign bodies into the eye.
In addition, the occurrence of uveitis can be affected by metabolic disorders or hormonal dysfunctions such as manifestations of diabetes mellitus and the menopausal process. Disorders of the hematopoietic system, as well as a number of ophthalmological problems - for example, disruption of the integrity of the retina, inflammation of the edges of the eyelids and perforation of ulcerative lesions of the cornea - can affect the development of pathology. Other general pathologies of the body can also influence the development of uveitis.
Classification of uveitis
The basis for diagnosing ocular uveitis is the division of lesions developed by N.S. Zaitseva, which is based on the classification of types of disease in accordance with its causes, affected areas, the activity of the dynamics of the disorder and the course of the disease.
According to etiology
- Generalized/panuveitis
- peripheral uveitis
- Anterior uveitis
- Posterior uveitis
- Active;
- inactive;
- Subactive.
- Acute;
- subacute;
- Chronic (in remission or relapse).
Diagnosis of uveitis
Primary diagnosis of the disease involves an external examination of the skin of the eyelids and conjunctiva, assessment of the reaction of the pupils and conducting. Another necessary measure is the measurement of intraocular pressure, based on the fact that uveitis can develop against the background of both hypertension and hypotension.
Examination using a slit lamp allows you to detect the localization of ribbon-like dystrophy, the accumulation of various cellular material/epithelium on the surface of the cornea, identify adhesions of the iris with, capsular cataracts, etc. Identify pathological proliferation of the vessels of the iris and the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye, assess the volume of exudate and identify adherence of the iris the cornea can be accessed using goniolens (gonioscopes).
When diagnosing posterior uveitis, assessing abnormal proliferation of choroidal and retinal vessels, as well as edema of the retina and optic nerve head, techniques such as vessels, optic nerve head and macula, as well as laser scanning tomography are recommended. 
One should not exclude such methods of assessing the condition of the eye as measuring the reaction of blood flow velocity under the influence of electrical stimulation (rheoophthalmography) and recording biopotentials, which allows diagnosing the functionality of the retina (). Methods of instrumental diagnostics of a clarifying nature combine an additional incision - paracentesis - of the anterior chamber, as well as a biopsy of the chorioretinal and vitreal localizations.
Since the risk of formation and dynamics of development of uveitis of various etiologies can be influenced by various disorders, the following consultations or diagnostic methods may be needed to clarify the diagnosis:
- X-ray of the lungs;
- Carrying out a tuberculin test;
- Conclusion of a phthisiatrician;
- The conclusion of a neurologist;
- Organization of lumbar puncture;
- CT or MRI of the brain;
- Conclusion of an allergist-immunologist;
- The conclusion of a rheumatologist;
- X-ray of the joints and spinal column.
As for laboratory methods for making/clarifying the diagnosis, patients with uveitis may be prescribed an anticardiolipin test, an analysis of the level of C-reactive protein, an analysis of the level of circulating immune complexes, an assessment of rheumatoid factor and a test for the detection of antibodies to ureaplasma, cytomegalovirus, mycoplasma, toxoplasma, chlamydia, herpes, etc.
Eye uveitis symptoms
Often, uveitis develops without severe symptoms or pain, since the membrane of the eye, which contains blood vessels, is deprived of innervation. The set of symptoms that subsequently appear is, as a rule, individual and determined by the cause of the disease, the location of the lesion, the state of the patient’s immune system and the characteristics of the pathogenic microflora.
Thus, anterior uveitis, as a rule, is characterized by manifestations of some “fogginess” of vision and “veil” against the background of a feeling of heaviness inside the eye and a gradual loss of clarity of vision in the initial stage of the disease. If measures are not taken to treat the disorder, the dynamics of the disease are characterized by redness of the eyes and a further increase in pain and heaviness in the eye against the background of increasing inflammation. In addition, symptoms such as the development of lacrimation and increased pressure inside the eyeball may be observed. Advanced cases of severe uveitis can lead to complete loss of vision.
As for uveitis of posterior localization, they also usually develop asymptomatically and with no pain.
There is no redness of the eyes. This form of the disease is characterized by a gradual decline in visual acuity. A “spot” appears in front of the eye. Further development of the pathology is accompanied by the appearance of a dull pain in the depths of the eyeball, which may indicate inflammatory damage to the optic nerve.
If we talk about the greatest threat to health, it is associated with acute uveitis, since it is characterized by spontaneous occurrence and rapid progress. In this regard, there is a risk of delay in establishing a diagnosis and identifying all symptoms, and if adequate treatment for acute uveitis is not started immediately, there is a risk of complete loss of vision. 
Uveitis of the eye in children
Among the main causes of ocular uveitis in childhood, injury is worth noting, since children, as a rule, are highly active. However, triggers such as exacerbation of latent infection should not be excluded. Such infections include, for example, cytomegalovirus, as well as pathogens of herpes and toxoplasmosis. The peculiarity of the mentioned diseases is that they can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy. This factor determines the importance of treating infectious diseases at the stage of pregnancy planning.
In children with metabolic abnormalities and immunity weakened by diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis and psoriasis, the incidence of uveitis is higher. In addition, exacerbation of allergies can cause eye damage.
A peculiarity of the course of uveitis in children is their inconspicuousness, because the pathology manifests itself, as a rule, without pain. In addition, the younger the child, the more difficult it is to establish the fact of the disorder - especially at an early stage. As for the set of symptoms, in childhood they are identical to the manifestations of the disease in adults. With anterior uveitis, redness of the eyelids and mucous membranes of the eyes is observed, photosensitivity, the development of lacrimation and loss of visual acuity are noted. Posterior uveitis is characterized by the observation of light spots in front of the eyes, image distortion, retinal swelling and the same loss of visual acuity.
Parents should remember that at the first sign of these symptoms, they should arrange for their child to be examined by an ophthalmologist. After all, the development of the disorder is usually painless, and complications in children are the same as in adult patients. Thus, the lack of adequate therapy for two months can lead to retinal detachment. In addition, the disease can spread to the healthy eye.
Treatment of uveitis
Although the treatment regimen for uveitis is based on drugs that suppress the immune response, steroid drugs, etc., the individual characteristics of the occurrence of the pathology should be taken into account. If the disease develops against the background of infection, antiviral and antimicrobial drugs are prescribed. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cytostatics are recommended for systemic diseases. And in cases where the trigger of the disorder is a lesion of an allergic nature, its manifestations are suppressed with antihistamines.
Drugs such as tropicamide, phenylephrine, or cyclopentolate eliminate spasm of the ciliary muscle and allow not only to avoid the formation of posterior synechiae, but also to break existing adhesions.
The main treatment for uveitis is steroids, which are used externally (in the form of ointments or instillations into the conjunctival sac) or in the form of injections at various local locations. Systemic administration of steroid drugs such as dexamethasone, prednisolone and betamethasone is also possible.
If treatment with the listed medications is not accompanied by a pronounced effect, it is possible to prescribe therapy that suppresses the immune response.
As for increased intraocular pressure, it is eliminated with special eye drops, as well as by hirudotherapy. After relief of acute manifestations of uveitis, electrophoresis or phonophoresis procedures are effective.
Other methods of treating uveitis include eliminating vitreous opacities through surgery. In addition, surgical manipulations allow you to get rid of the posterior or anterior adhesions of the iris. Typically, surgery is prescribed for severe forms of pathology or the occurrence of negative consequences of various types.
Among the effective methods of treating uveitis using physiotherapy methods, the following should be highlighted:
- Irradiation of blood with a laser
- Laser coagulation
- Treatment of blood with ultraviolet rays
The listed approaches significantly increase the bactericidal reaction of the blood.
In general, uveitis therapy is effective subject to timely diagnosis, organization of etiotropic and replacement immunotherapy. In addition, emphasis should be placed on treating the disease that provoked the development of the ophthalmological disorder. We should not forget about measures to prevent the development of complications or loss of vision.
Traditional medicine methods
A decoction of plants such as chamomile, rose hips, calendula or sage can contribute to a noticeable improvement in eye condition. Pour a glass of boiling water over 3 tablespoons of chopped rose hips/herbs, leave for 5 hours, strain.
Rinse your eyes with the resulting infusion, each time using new means to introduce liquid to prevent the spread of infection. And - of course - before using traditional methods, you should consult with your doctor.
Complications
Anterior uveitis may be accompanied by complications such as the occurrence of posterior synechiae. Moreover, these adhesions can be not only single or multiple, but also circular and even accompanied by overgrowth of the pupil. In addition, this type of uveitis is characterized by a serious imbalance in the hydrodynamics of the eye. As a rule, there is a steady increase in intraocular pressure, which – as a result – leads to the development of secondary. Occasionally, ophthalmotonus may be reduced, which also results in adverse consequences.
These types of posterior uveitis, like choroiditis, are characterized by clouding of the optical medium and focal atrophy of the fundus. The peripheral location of such lesions leads to a decrease in dark adaptation and a concentric narrowing of the visual field. If the manifestations of atrophy are concentrated in the center of the retina, the patient’s visual acuity noticeably decreases.
Preventive measures
Eye hygiene is important to prevent uveitis. Phenomena such as eye injury, hypothermia and overwork should not be allowed. It is necessary to be attentive to the manifestations of allergies, as well as to treat diseases that can affect the development of uveitis.
Although treatment for uveitis does not involve dietary restrictions, overall adherence to a balanced diet can have a systemic effect on accelerating recovery. At the same time, patients are recommended to saturate their menu with products high in vitamins A and D. These products include:
- Eggs;
- Milk products;
- Garlic;
- Fish;
- Kelp;
- Sesame and flax seeds.
In addition, prevention of uveitis consists of comprehensive treatment of any infectious diseases, treatment of ophthalmological disorders, reducing exposure to allergens and regular consultations with a specialized doctor.
Video
Uveitis is a group of eye diseases associated with inflammation in the choroid of the eye (another name is the uveal tract).
The choroid or uveal membrane is represented by three components: the iris (in Latin iris), the ciliary body or ciliary body (in Latin corpus ciliare) and the choroid proper (in Latin chorioidea).
Depending on the location of inflammation, the following forms of uveitis are distinguished: cyclitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, chorioretinitis, choroiditis, etc. The main danger of this group of diseases is possible consequences in the form of blindness or low vision.
The occurrence of this disease is facilitated by the fact that the vascular network of the eye is very widespread, and blood flow in the uveal tract is slow, which can lead to the retention of microorganisms in the choroid.
Under certain conditions, these microorganisms can lead to inflammation. The occurrence and development of inflammation is also influenced by other features of the choroid, in particular, different blood supply and innervation of its different structures:
- the anterior section (iris and ciliary body) is supplied with blood through the anterior ciliary and posterior long arteries, and is innervated by the ciliary fibers of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve;
- the posterior section (choroid) is supplied with blood by the posterior short ciliary arteries and is characterized by the absence of sensory innervation.
These features determine separate lesions of the anterior and posterior parts of the uveal tract. Either one department or the other may suffer.
Types of disease
- According to the anatomical principle, uveitis is divided into anterior, intermediate (or median, peripheral), posterior and generalized forms.
- Anterior uveitis: iritis, anterior cyclitis, iridocyclitis. Inflammation occurs in the iris and vitreous body. This localization of inflammation is more common than all others.
- Median uveitis: posterior cyclitis, pars planitis. The ciliary body, retina, choroid and vitreous body are affected.
- Posterior uveitis: choroiditis, chorioretinitis, retinitis, neurouveitis. The choroid, retina and optic nerve are affected.
- Generalized uveitis – panuveitis. This type of disease develops if all parts of the choroid are affected.
- serous,
- purulent,
- fibrinous-plastic,
- hemorrhagic,
- mixed uveitis.
Causes of the disease
Uveitis can occur due to infections, allergic reactions, metabolic disorders, hypothermia, decreased immunity, injuries, and general diseases of the body.
The most common (almost half of the cases) are infectious uveitis. The infection can be caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, toxoplasma, streptococci, treponema, herpes virus, and fungi. Infection in the choroid can come from any source due to viral diseases, tuberculosis, syphilis, dental caries, tonsillitis, etc.
Allergic uveitis occurs against the background of food and drug allergies.
Uveitis can occur in the presence of the following diseases of the body: rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, glomerulonephritis, etc.
Uveitis of a traumatic nature may occur due to eye burns, penetrating injuries to the eye, or the entry of a foreign body into it.
Uveitis may develop against the background of hormonal dysfunction and metabolic disorders (menopause, diabetes, etc.), blood diseases, diseases of the organs of vision (scleritis, blepharitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis, retinal detachment, etc.).
Symptoms of the disease
The symptoms of each form of uveitis are different.
Anterior uveitis is characterized by the following features:
- photophobia,
- decreased visual acuity,
- chronic lacrimation,
- constriction of the pupil,
- soreness,
In the chronic course of anterior uveitis, symptoms occur rarely or are mild: only slight redness and floating spots before the eyes.
Peripheral uveitis occurs with the following symptoms:
- often both eyes are affected symmetrically,
- deterioration of visual acuity.
Posterior uveitis is characterized by late onset of symptoms. They are characterized by:
- blurred vision,
- distortion of objects,
- floating spots before the eyes,
- decreased visual acuity.
Diagnosis of the disease
Timely diagnosis of uveitis is very important, because If left untreated, dangerous eye pathologies can develop, which can lead to complete blindness.
An ophthalmological examination for suspected uveitis may include:
- normal external examination
- visual acuity test,
- determination of fields of view,
- tonometry (a method of measuring intraocular pressure),
- study of pupillary reaction,
- biomicroscopy (examination using a special slit lamp),
- gonioscopy (to study the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye),
- ophthalmoscopy (examination of the fundus of the eye),
- Ultrasound of the eye,
- angiography of retinal vessels,
- tomography of various structures of the eye (including the structure of the optic nerve head),
- rheoophthalmography (measurement of blood flow velocity in the eye vessels).
If the causes of uveitis are other diseases of the body, it is necessary to simultaneously carry out laboratory and functional diagnostics and treatment of these diseases.
Treatment of the disease
The ophthalmologist prescribes treatment for uveitis depending on the type and cause of the disease. Therapy in this case is aimed at preventing complications that can lead to vision loss.
To treat uveitis use:
- mydriatics (atropine, cyclopentol, etc.) eliminate spasm of the ciliary muscle, prevent the appearance of or break existing adhesions.
- use of steroids locally (ointments, injections) and systemically. For this purpose betamethasone, dexamethasone, prednisolone are used. If steroids do not help, immunosuppressive drugs are prescribed.
- eye drops to reduce high intraocular pressure,
- antihistamines for allergies,
- antiviral and antimicrobial agents in the presence of infections.
With timely treatment, mild forms of uveitis disappear within 3-6 weeks.
In severe cases, with significant destruction of the vitreous body, surgical treatment of uveitis is required. In case of iridocyclochoroiditis (or panuveitis), vitreectomy (surgical removal of the vitreous body) can be performed, and if the eye cannot be saved, evisceration of the eyeball is performed (all internal structures of the eyeball are removed).
Treatment of the disease with traditional methods
When treating uveitis, you can use some traditional medicine methods, after discussing the possibility of such treatment with your doctor:
- A decoction of chamomile, rosehip, calendula or sage helps with uveitis. To prepare it, you need 3 tablespoons of herbs and a glass of boiling water. The mixture should be infused for about an hour. Then you should strain it, and rinse your eyes with this decoction.
- Aloe can also help. You can use aloe juice for eye drops, diluting it in cold boiling water in a ratio of 1 to 10. You can make an infusion from dry aloe leaves.
- You can use crushed marshmallow root. To do this, you need to pour 3-4 tablespoons of marshmallow root into a glass of water at room temperature. You need to insist it for 8 hours, and then use it for lotions.
Disease prevention
To prevent diseases, you should maintain eye hygiene, avoid hypothermia, eye injuries, overwork, and the development of allergies, and promptly treat various diseases of the body. If any eye disease occurs, treatment should be started immediately so as not to provoke the emergence of more serious diseases.
