Uveitis and vasculitis
The uvea includes the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid. Uveitis is broadly defined as inflammation of the uvea.
Desease
Classification of uveitis is based upon anatomy:
- anterior uveitis: inflammation mainly localized in the iris and anterior chamber (iritis, irido-cyclitis),
- intermediate uveitis: inflammation mainly mainly localized in the vitreous
- posterior uveitis: inflammation mainly mainly localized in the retina and choroid (retino-choroiditis)
- panuveitis: inflammation of all uvea layers with impossibility to detect the main site of inflammation.
Vasculitis is inflammation of retinal vessels. They often complicate posterior or intermediate uveitis.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of uveitis include: eye pain, photophobia, blurred vision and redness.
The causes of uveitis are multiple.
It can be of infectious or autoimmune origin, it can appear in isolation or may be part of a systemic disease. For that reason it is important to carry out an etiological assessment (research of the cause) in a uveitic patient. When this assessment is negative the uveitis is called idiopathic.
Children can be affected by uveitis. Uveitis in children with rheumatic disease is different from adult counterpart because it silently arises without manifestations and it is often diagnosed when complications are already present.
Treatment and care
The treatment of uveitis must target the inflammation, the complications and, only when present, the underlying cause. In all cases the goal of medical management of uveitis is to effectively control the inflammation and to reduce the risk and to treat the complications (glaucoma, cataract, deformation of the pupil to name but a few).
Treatment requires coordination with other medical consultants in eliciting the cause, determining the therapeutic goal, monitoring treatment and prevent the side effects.
You can make an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists of the department who provide specific care dedicated to this pathology:
