Uveitis: symptoms, causes and natural treatment of eye inflammation

Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye that affects the middle layer of the eye wall tissue (uvea), between the retina and the sclera (the white of the eye). Symptoms appear, quickly worsen, and it can spread to the largest part of the eye, the vitreous body. In Spain, it affects more than 46,000 people and is associated with 35% of blindness cases.

What is uveitis: the different types

Uveitis can affect different parts of the uvea. If the following three types occur together, the entire eye is inflamed and it is called panuveitis.

1. Anterior uveitis

In the case of anterior uveitis, the inflammation mainly attacks the iris and partially the ciliary body.

It can be an acute inflammation or a gradual process. Chronic anterior uvetitis It is common, especially in children.

2. Median uveitis

In the so-called intermediate middle uveitis, the responsible inflammatory cells are located mainly in the vitreous body, between the ciliary body and the choroid. Medical professionals also talk about vitritis.

3. Posterior uveitis

posterior uvetitis affects the choroid, so it is also known as choroiditis. The choroid supplies nutrients to the retina and the innermost parts of the eye. This means that if the choroid becomes inflamed, the retina can also be affected.

Is uveitis dangerous?

yes uveitis is a rare and dangerous eye infection for which medical attention should be sought immediately. Otherwise, there can be serious consequences, including blindness.

After macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, uveitis is the fourth most common cause of blindness.

Is uveitis cured?

With early detection and treatment, the patient’s chances of recovery are good. The first treatment usually consists of applying antibiotic or cortisone drops, along with drops that dilate the pupils (to prevent scarring).

The drugs are designed to fight inflammation and prevent further spread. At the beginning of the infection, regular check-ups by the ophthalmologist are recommended, approximately every 2 to 4 days. Also, treat yourself to rest and slow down your day to day during treatment.

It is recommended a anti-inflammatory diet consisting primarily of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Taking a natural anti-inflammatory product that contains ginger, turmeric, green tea, and other herbal medicines that moderate inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases may be indicated.

An antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplement formulated for eye health, including lutein and zeaxanthin, would also be a good idea.

Causes of uveitis

Inflammation in the eye causes the iris to stick to the lens. As a result, it cannot drain properly, increasing pressure in the eye and the risk of infection. This condition can severely damage the optic nerve, among other things, and have serious long-term consequences.

Fungi, bacteria or viruses are usually responsible for eye infection, including the herpes virus or the germs responsible for syphilis, toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis. Besides, there are a variety of different diseases that can be the cause of uvetitis.

These include, for example, inflammatory diseases disorders (eg, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and systemic diseases such as sarcoidosis.

Additionally, uveitis is one of the most common side effects of autoimmune Bechterew disease: nearly half of all Bechterew patients experience uveitis at least once in their lifetime.

The variety of possible clinical pictures can present challenges to clinicians. In some cases, they cannot find the exact cause of the disease.

symptoms of uveitis

Inflammation of the eyes usually manifests one or more of the following: following symptoms:

Blurry vision (patients often see blurry, hazy, or through a curtain)Vision of small black dots, also called “floaters”redness of the eyesIncreased sensitivity to lightPain

It is important that you take the symptoms seriously. Because if you can’t see well, you are a danger to yourself and others, for example in traffic or when operating heavy machinery.

Besides, you may be running out of time. It is best to consult with an ophthalmologist during the first 24 hours. Delays in diagnosis and treatment increase the risk of complications.