Types of Uveitis and Causes
There are different types of uveitis depending on which layer is inflamed.
Anterior Uveitis (also known as ‘iritis’) affects mainly the iris. This is the most common form of uveitis and often occurs in young adults.
Intermediate uveitis affects mainly the ciliary body and the adjacent vitreous (the ‘jelly’ in the eye). This is more serious than anterior uveitis, and it is also common in young adults especially women
Posterior Uveitis affects the structures at the back of the eye, including the choroid, the adjacent retina, optic nerve, vitreous and blood vessels. This is ucommon and a very serious condition. Investigations are usually necessary in these cases to find out the cause.
Panuveitis affects the entire uvea structure in the eye. It is the least common but most visually threatening form of uveitis.
What are The Causes?
The cause of uveitis is still largely unknown. However, we do know that some conditions are more likely to be associated with uveitis. Some of these conditions include:
- Some forms of infection (e.g. Tuberculosis, Syphilis, certain viruses such as herpes, cytomegalovirus, HIV and Dengue etc.)
- Autoimmune diseases (such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease etc.)
- Trauma and injury to the eye
- Any form of intraocular surgery
- Some forms of cancer (e.g. lymphoma)
At EEC, we provide a detailed eye examination, which include vision and eye pressure checks by our dedicated optometrists and a comprehensive consultation with our uveitis eye specialists that include a thorough medical history and ocular health check and discussion of treatment options. Additional laboratory tests (e.g. blood tests) may be needed in certain cases to determince an infectious or autoimmune case so that the best treatment options can be planned specifically for you.