Summary about Disease
Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, specifically the front part of the eye (iris and ciliary body). It can occur suddenly and severely (acute), or develop gradually (chronic). It's a relatively common eye condition that can affect people of all ages, although it's more frequently seen in young and middle-aged adults. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including vision loss.
Symptoms
Symptoms of anterior uveitis can vary in severity and may include:
Eye redness
Eye pain (often a deep, aching pain)
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Blurred vision
Excessive tearing
Small pupils
Headache (occasionally)
Causes
In many cases, the exact cause of anterior uveitis is unknown (idiopathic). However, it can be associated with:
Autoimmune diseases: Such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis.
Infections: Herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes zoster virus (shingles), cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, syphilis, tuberculosis, and Lyme disease.
Injury to the eye: Trauma can trigger inflammation.
Certain medications: Some drugs, like rifabutin (used to treat tuberculosis), can cause uveitis.
Genetic factors: Certain genes may increase the risk.
Medicine Used
Treatment for anterior uveitis typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and pain:
Corticosteroid eye drops: Prednisolone acetate is a common example. These reduce inflammation in the eye.
Cycloplegic eye drops: Such as atropine or cyclopentolate. These dilate the pupil, which helps to relieve pain and prevent the iris from sticking to the lens (synechiae).
Oral corticosteroids: Prednisone may be prescribed for more severe cases or if eye drops are not effective enough.
Immunosuppressants: In chronic or recurrent cases, medications like methotrexate, azathioprine, or biologics may be used to suppress the immune system.
Antibiotics or antivirals: If the uveitis is caused by an infection, appropriate medications will be prescribed to treat the underlying infection.
Is Communicable
Anterior uveitis itself is not communicable. It cannot be spread from person to person. However, if the uveitis is caused by an infection (e.g., herpes simplex virus), the underlying infection can be communicable.
Precautions
While you cannot prevent all cases of anterior uveitis, some precautions can be taken:
Protect your eyes: Wear protective eyewear during activities that could cause eye injury.
Manage underlying conditions: If you have an autoimmune disease or other condition associated with uveitis, work with your doctor to manage it effectively.
Practice good hygiene: Especially if an infection is suspected as the cause.
Follow your doctor's instructions: If you are diagnosed with uveitis, adhere to your treatment plan and attend follow-up appointments.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an anterior uveitis outbreak can vary:
Acute uveitis: Symptoms may resolve within a few weeks to a few months with proper treatment.
Chronic uveitis: Can persist for months or even years, with periods of remission and flare-ups.
Recurrent uveitis: Can have multiple outbreaks.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of anterior uveitis typically involves:
Eye examination: An ophthalmologist will examine your eye with a slit lamp, a microscope with a bright light, to look for signs of inflammation, such as inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber (the space between the cornea and the iris).
Intraocular pressure measurement: To check for glaucoma, a potential complication of uveitis.
Pupil dilation: Eye drops will be used to dilate the pupil, allowing the doctor to examine the back of the eye (retina and optic nerve).
Medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking.
Blood tests: To look for underlying conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or infections. These may include testing for HLA-B27, rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), syphilis, Lyme disease, and tuberculosis.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary:
Acute: Symptoms often develop rapidly, over a few hours or days.
Chronic: Symptoms may develop gradually over weeks or months and can be less noticeable initially.
Symptoms can fluctuate in intensity. Some days they may be worse than others.
Important Considerations
Prompt treatment is crucial: Untreated anterior uveitis can lead to serious complications, including glaucoma, cataracts, band keratopathy (calcium deposits on the cornea), synechiae (iris sticking to the lens), macular edema (swelling of the retina), and vision loss.
Follow-up care is essential: Regular checkups with an ophthalmologist are important to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Underlying conditions should be addressed: If the uveitis is associated with an underlying autoimmune disease or infection, it is important to manage the underlying condition effectively.
Long-term management may be necessary: Some people with anterior uveitis may require long-term treatment to prevent recurrences.
Pregnancy: Certain medications used to treat uveitis may not be safe during pregnancy. Discuss treatment options with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.