Uveitis Symptoms

Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uvea, which is located in the middle of your eye. Although there are many causes of this condition, the signs and symptoms are largely the same.

When the swelling occurs, you may notice:

  • Pain in and around your affected eye
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Redness
  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty seeing clearly
  • Floaters

Depending on the cause, the swelling can affect just one eye or both at the same time.

Causes of Uveitis

Trauma, infections, and certain medical conditions can all cause the center of your eye to swell up. Other causes include tumors near or in the eye and side effects from medications. The inflammation may only last a short time or continue for years.

Chronic uveitis can link back to serious health problems, including:

  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lyme disease
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Tuberculosis

Since ongoing swelling can result in blindness, it is important to reach out for care from your eye doctor as soon as you can.

Uveitis Treatment

Before deciding on a treatment, your eye doctor will look at the severity and location of the swelling. Swelling in the center tissues of the eye can occur in the anterior, intermediate, and posterior areas — or all three. They will also track down the underlying cause. Using that information, they can determine which treatment option will likely work best for you.

The most common options include:

  • Steroidal anti-inflammatories
  • Immunosuppressive medication
  • Corticosteroid eye drops

Pupil dilation can also help since it reduces swelling and eases your discomfort. No matter which treatment they use, you may need to attend several rechecks until the inflammation resolves.

Request an Appointment

Anytime you notice swelling in one or both eyes, you need to schedule a visit with your eye doctor. They will quickly find out what is causing it, and then treat the problem to relieve your pain and protect your vision. To request an appointment at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers, just give us a call at (800) 714-2020. We are always here to help resolve your concerns and preserve the health of your eyes.