Your eye is shaped much like a tennis ball, with three different layers of tissue surrounding the central gel-filled cavity. The innermost layer is the retina, which senses light then sends images to your brain. The middle layer between the sclera and retina is called the uvea. The outermost layer is the sclera, the strong white wall of the eye. Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea. The uvea contains many blood vessels-the veins, arteries, and capillaries-that carry blood to and from the eye. Since the uvea nourishes many important parts of the eye (such as the retina), inflammation of the uvea can damage your sight.

There are different types of uveitis, depending on which part of the eye is affected. When the uvea is inflamed near the front of the eye in the iris, it is called iritis. Iritis has a sudden onset and may last six to eight weeks.

If the uvea is inflamed in the middle of the eye, it is called cyclitis. Cyclitis affects the muscle that focuses the lens. Cyclitis can also develop suddenly and can last for several months.

An inflammation in the back of the eye is call choroiditis. Choroiditis is slower to develop and may last longer.

Symptoms of uveitis include:

• light sensitivity
  

• blurred vision
  

• pain
  

• floaters
  

• redness

Uveitis may develop suddenly with redness and pain or with painless blurring of your vision. A case of simple "red eye" may in fact be a serious problem of uveitis. If your eye becomes red or painful, you should be examined and treated by an eye doctor.

Uveitis has many different causes:

• a virus, such as shingles, mumps, or herpes simple
  

• a fungus, such as histoplasmosis
  

• a parasite, such as toxoplasmosis
  

• related disease in other parts of the body, such as arthritis, gastrointestinal disease, or collagen vascular disease such as lupus
  

• a result of injury to the eye

In many cases of uveitis, the cause of the disease remains unknown.

To diagnose uveitis, a careful eye exam by one of our eye doctors is extremely important when symptoms occur. Inflammation inside the eye can permanently affect sight or even lead to blindness if it is not treated. Our ophthalmologist will examine the inside of your eye and since uveitis can be associated with disease in other parts of the body, your ophthalmologist will want to know about your overall health. He or she may want to consult with your primary care physician or other medical specialists who may order blood tests, skin tests, or x-rays to determine the cause.

Uveitis is a serious eye condition that may scar the eye. It needs to be treated as soon as possible. Eyedrops, especially corticosteroids and pupil dilators, can reduce the inflammation and pain. For more severe inflammation, oral medication or injections may be necessary.

Uveitis can be associated with these complications:

• glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• cataract (clouding of the eye's natural lens)
• neovascularization (growth of new, abnormal blood vessels)
• damage to the retina, including retinal detachment
• macular swelling (the part of the retina responsible for detailed vision)

These complications also may need treatment with eye drops, conventional surgery, or laser surgery.

If you have a "red eye" that does not clear up quickly, contact your ophthalmologist.

Our Uveitis ophthalmologists are:

            Miriam E. Ridley, MD

            Strutha C. Rouse II, MD

            Frederick H.D. Weidman III, MD