How You Can Find Lasting Relief from Uveitis

May 11th, 2018
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Uveitis is an uncommon but significant disease that can cause permanent damage to the uvea, the layer of the eye in which the iris and many of the eye’s blood vessels are located. If left untreated, it results in an increased sensitivity to light, floaters, and, in more severe cases, permanent vision loss.

Fortunately, treatments for uveitis are easily available, and most can effectively protect a patient from its complications. We’ll walk you through the causes, symptoms, and treatments:

What Causes Uveitis?

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, generally in response to a viral or bacterial infection, trauma, or a foreign irritant. It tends to be more common in patients with cancer or compromised immune systems, but it can affect anybody.

At its onset, uveitis may result in few noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, however, it can lead to pain, redness, blurred or distorted vision, and floaters. Since many of these symptoms are also common in patients with conjunctivitis (or pink eye), a qualified eye specialist should thoroughly evaluate them and offer a formal diagnosis.

Treatment and Complications

Treatments for uveitis can vary from patient to patient, but in most cases, it can be effectively managed with conservative and minimally invasive methods. Most patients can eliminate their symptoms altogether if they diagnose their condition in its early stages.

Many patients with uveitis can find lasting relief from their condition with some simple conservative measures. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, for example, can alleviate any pain or discomfort, while applying a hot towel over the eyes can have the same effect. Wearing sunglasses can also help patients with a heightened sensitivity to light.

Most formal treatments for uveitis rely on eye drops, which can be administered for a number of purposes. Steroidal eye drops, for example, reduce inflammation, while dilating drops promote healing in the iris. If it’s the product of an underlying condition, uveitis can also be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or immunosuppressive drugs. Regardless of the specific course of treatment, patients should continue to see their eye care provider until all symptoms have subsided.

Uveitis can be debilitating if left untreated, but when it’s diagnosed in its early stages, most patients can ward off the symptoms and continue to enjoy clear vision. If you think you might be suffering from uveitis, the specialists at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers can provide you with lasting relief. Contact us today at 800-714-2020 or schedule an appointment with us online to discuss your condition and possible treatments.

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