Summary about Disease
Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, specifically the iris (iritis) and/or ciliary body (iridocyclitis). It is the most common type of uveitis. It can develop suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic), and symptoms can range from mild to severe. If left untreated, anterior uveitis can lead to serious complications, including vision loss.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Eye redness
Eye pain (can be throbbing or aching)
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Blurred vision
Excessive tearing
Small pupil (miosis)
Headache (occasionally)
Causes
In many cases, the exact cause of anterior uveitis is unknown (idiopathic). However, it can be associated with:
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, sarcoidosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
Infections (e.g., herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster virus, Lyme disease, syphilis, tuberculosis)
Injury to the eye
Certain medications
Genetic predisposition
Medicine Used
Treatment typically involves:
Corticosteroid eye drops: These reduce inflammation. Prednisolone acetate is a common example.
Dilating eye drops (mydriatics/cycloplegics): These dilate the pupil to relieve pain and prevent the iris from sticking to the lens (posterior synechiae). Examples include atropine and cyclopentolate.
Oral corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants: Used for more severe or chronic cases, or when eye drops are insufficient.
Treating the underlying cause: If the uveitis is related to an infection or autoimmune disease, treatment will also target the underlying condition.
Is Communicable
Anterior uveitis is not communicable, meaning it cannot be spread from person to person. However, if the uveitis is caused by an infection (like herpes simplex), the underlying infection can be contagious (e.g. herpes can cause cold sores, or genital herpes etc.). The uveitis itself is not contagious.
Precautions
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from light sensitivity.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding medication use.
Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your condition.
Avoid rubbing your eyes.
If you suspect an underlying condition is causing the uveitis, discuss it with your doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Acute anterior uveitis: Symptoms usually develop suddenly and can last from a few weeks to a few months with treatment.
Chronic anterior uveitis: Symptoms develop gradually and can last for months or even years, with periods of flare-ups and remissions.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any underlying conditions.
Eye examination: This includes:
Visual acuity testing
Slit-lamp examination (to examine the front of the eye)
Intraocular pressure measurement
Fundoscopy (to examine the back of the eye)
Additional tests: Depending on the suspected cause, your doctor may order blood tests, imaging studies, or a sample of fluid from inside the eye (aqueous tap).
Timeline of Symptoms
Acute: Rapid onset of pain, redness, and light sensitivity, often within hours or days.
Chronic: Gradual onset of blurred vision and discomfort, potentially with less pronounced pain and redness. Symptoms can persist for extended periods.
Important Considerations
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
Anterior uveitis can recur, so regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist is essential, even after the symptoms have resolved.
If you have an autoimmune disease, managing the underlying condition can help prevent future uveitis flare-ups.
Certain medications can cause uveitis, so it's important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Uveitis can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, so it's important to work with your doctor to determine the cause.