What Is Uveitis?
Eye problems often are not serious. But some, like uveitis, can be. Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea. This fragile tissue lies just behind the sclera (the white outer layer of the eye). Uveitis requires prompt treatment by an eye doctor. Without proper care, uveitis can damage vision.
How Is Your Eye Affected?
Uveitis most often inflames the iris (iritis). Since the iris opens and closes the pupil (the hole through which light enters the eye), uveitis can cause pain and sensitivity to light. Often the eye gets red. Vision may become blurred, or you may see spots floating in your eye. Uveitis can affect one or both eyes. Untreated, it can worsen and lead to more severe eye diseases, such as glaucoma or cataracts, or even loss of vision.
Publication Source:
Park KL, Ophthalmology, 2nd ed., Chapter 160 - Anatomy of the Uvea, 2004, pp 1113-1114
Publication Source:
Rao NA, Ophthalmology, 2nd ed., Chapter 159 - Mechanisms of Uveitis, 2004, pp 1105-1106
Online Source:
American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35622
Online Source:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/asthma/pets.html
Online Medical Reviewer:
Hammersmith, Kristin, MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002