Anterior uveitis is the inflammation of the uveal tract, specifically affecting the front part of the eye, including the iris and the ciliary body. The uveal tract is the middle layer of the eye and consists of the iris (colored part of the eye), ciliary body (which produces aqueous humor), and the choroid (which provides nutrients to the retina). When the inflammation occurs in the anterior part, it is called anterior uveitis. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
Causes:
The causes of anterior uveitis can be categorized into:
- Infectious causes:
- Viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus)
- Bacterial infections (e.g., tuberculosis, syphilis)
- Fungal or parasitic infections
- Autoimmune or inflammatory diseases:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Behçet’s disease
- Juvenile arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Sarcoidosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Trauma or injury: A direct injury to the eye can trigger uveitis.
- Idiopathic: In many cases, the cause of anterior uveitis remains unknown.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of anterior uveitis include:
- Eye pain: Often described as deep or aching.
- Redness: The eye may appear red or bloodshot.
- Blurred vision: Vision may be cloudy or less sharp.
- Light sensitivity (photophobia): Affected individuals may find bright lights painful.
- Tearing: Excessive tearing of the eye.
- Pupil changes: The pupil may become irregular in shape, smaller than normal, or not respond properly to light.
Diagnosis:
Anterior uveitis is diagnosed based on:
- Clinical examination: A thorough eye exam using a slit lamp to examine the front part of the eye for signs of inflammation (e.g., cells or flare in the aqueous humor).
- Eye pressure measurement: Elevated eye pressure (glaucoma) may occur in some cases.
- Additional tests: Blood tests or imaging might be performed to identify underlying causes, such as infections or autoimmune disorders.
Treatment:
Treatment generally involves controlling inflammation and addressing the underlying cause:
- Corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroid eye drops are commonly used to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, oral or injectable steroids might be prescribed.
- Dilating drops: These help relieve pain, prevent the formation of scar tissue, and reduce the risk of adhesions between the iris and the lens.
- Treatment for underlying causes: If an infection or systemic disease is identified, appropriate antiviral, antibiotic, or immunosuppressive treatment is administered.
- Monitoring: Regular follow-up visits are necessary to ensure the inflammation resolves and to prevent complications like glaucoma or cataracts.
Complications:
If left untreated, anterior uveitis can lead to:
- Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure, potentially damaging the optic nerve.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens.
- Macular edema: Swelling of the retina, leading to vision loss.
- Permanent vision loss: Severe inflammation can lead to long-term vision problems or blindness.
Prognosis:
The prognosis for anterior uveitis is generally good, especially if treated early. However, if the condition recurs or is associated with a systemic disease, long-term management may be necessary.
If you experience any symptoms of uveitis, it’s important to see an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) promptly for diagnosis and treatment.