What is anterior uveitis?
Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris and adjacent tissue, known as the ciliary body.
Is the disease serious?
If untreated, anterior uveitis can lead to other eye problems and cause permanent damage. It usually responds well to treatment, however, there may be a tendency for the condition to recur.
What causes anterior uveitis?
Anterior uveitis can occur as a result of trauma to the eye, such as a blow or foreign object penetrating the eye. It can also be a complication of other eye disease, or it may be caused by general health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, rubella and mumps. In most cases, there is no obvious underlying cause.
What are the signs/symptoms of anterior uveitis?
Signs/symptoms may include a red, sore and inflamed eye, blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and an irregular pupil.
How is anterior uveitis diagnosed?
Since the symptoms of anterior uveitis are similar to those of other eye diseases, your optometrist will carefully examine the inside of your eye, under bright light and high magnification, to determine the presence and severity of the condition. Your optometrist may also perform other diagnostic procedures and arrange for other tests to help pinpoint the cause.
Does anterior uveitis affect vision?
If untreated, anterior uveitis can affect adjacent eye tissues, causing the development of glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal edema leading to a loss of vision.
What is the treatment for anterior uveitis?
Usually prescription eye drops which dilate the pupils, in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs are needed. Treatment usually takes several days, or up to a few weeks, in some cases.