Uveitis is an eye disease. In the human body there is a part that takes its name from grapes. It is the uvea and is one of the tunics of the eye that is located between the sclera and the retina. It is called uvea due to the intense vascularization that affects all three parts of which it is composed, namely the iris, ciliary body and choroid.
The uvea can also undergo inflammation, perhaps capable of affecting only one of these structures. We therefore speak of uveitis. But if all three are involved it is called panuveitis.
Symptoms of uveitis
Normally, uveitis presents with fairly classic symptoms such as hypersensitivity to light, blurring of vision, clouding with loss of vision. Sometimes there may also be pain of varying intensity, redness and tearing. Only one eye may be affected, as is the case with herpes infections, or both eyes may be affected, as may be the case in some autoimmune diseases.
How to make the diagnosis
The path to recognize the picture and do the diagnosis must be managed by the ophthalmologist. The problem of diagnosis is extremely important. As mentioned, the ophthalmologist is the first point of reference, but sometimes other specialists are also needed to frame the pathology. Immunologists, neurologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists or infectious disease specialists can enter the field. Sometimes uveitis can represent the specific localization of an infectious process not only of viral origin, but also parasitic or from microorganisms.
The treatment should be chosen by the expert based on the patient’s condition. There are many medications used and surgery may sometimes be required when complications related to uveitis are present.
To follow the daily Health Pill “Uveite, how it manifests itself and how to face it”, click and listen here
“Daily Health Pills” is the podcast series by DiLei TakeCare, curated by Federico Mereta. In each episode we talk about prevention, care and good habits.
.