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The medical term for any inflammation of the eye is uveitis (itis means inflammation, generally of the part of the body that comprises the first part of the word). Thus, uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, which is the vascular or middle coat of the eye. The eye consists of three parts:
a.. the outer coat - the cornea and sclera
b.. the inner coat - the retina
c.. the middle coat - blood vessels, pigments and connective tissue
Uveitis can involve any part of the uvea: the iris, the ciliary body or the choroid.
Iritis, a less serious condition, is an inflammation of the front part of the eye.
In uveitis, you might experience blurred vision, light sensitivity and redness, but only in one eye. The redness is usually present just outside the cornea with white blood cells floating in the anterior chamber that have leaked out of blood vessels or pigment from the iris.
The three most common causes of uveitis in order of frequency (starting with most) are:
1.. trauma
2.. unknown - in other words, the cause in indeterminable; it could be from environmental or internal events. If it is recurrent, be your own detective and try to determine what might have caused it.
3.. collagen vascular disease - affects connective tissues throughout the body (these include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and polyarteritis). Sarcoidosis, a disease of unknown cause that affects many organs (mainly the lungs) can cause uveitis. Uveitis can also occur as a complication of AIDS. Many people with uveitis and a multisystem disease like sarcoidosis have dry eyes as well.
Treatment
Conventional treatment of uveitis requires the use of topical steroids to quiet the inflammation. But caution must used with this type of medication because long term usage can lead to cataracts, secondary glaucoma, and even retinal damage. Redness and light sensitivity may also require the pupils to be dilated.
If the inflammation is severe, a steroid injection may be necessary beneath the conjunctiva. If iritis occurs in both eyes, or if the uveitis is in the back of the eye, systemic cortisone pills may be necessary. In some cases, cyclosporin eyedrops (used to stop corneal transplant rejection) can trat inflammation with the effects of steroids, but they may sting and are expensive.
As an alternative form of treatment for long term conditions, herbal medications can sometimes be effective.
If you have any of the symptoms of uveitis, it is wise to see a doctor as soon as possible.
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