Uveitis: Clinical Notes
Definition
Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, affecting the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
Anatomy of the Uvea
- Iris: The colored part, controlling pupil size.
- Ciliary Body: Produces aqueous humor and aids in lens accommodation.
- Choroid: Provides blood supply to the retina.
Classification
- Anterior Uveitis: Affects iris (iritis) and ciliary body (iridocyclitis).
- Intermediate Uveitis: Involves ciliary body and vitreous body.
- Posterior Uveitis: Affects choroid (choroiditis) and retina (retinitis).
- Panuveitis: Involves all parts of the uvea.
Etiology
Infectious Causes:
- 🦠 Viral (Herpes simplex, Cytomegalovirus)
- 🦠 Bacterial (Tuberculosis, Syphilis)
- 🦠 Fungal (Histoplasmosis)
- 🦠 Parasitic (Toxoplasmosis)
Non-Infectious Causes:
- 🩺 Autoimmune disorders (Rheumatoid arthritis, Sarcoidosis)
- 🩺 Inflammatory diseases (Behçet’s disease)
- 🩺 Trauma or surgery
- 🩺 Idiopathic cases
Clinical Presentation
Symptoms:
- 🔥 Eye pain (typically unilateral)
- 🔥 Redness (conjunctival injection)
- 🔥 Photophobia (light sensitivity)
- 🔥 Blurred vision
- 🔥 Floaters (in intermediate uveitis)
Diagnosis
- 🩺 History and Symptoms: Comprehensive patient history.
- 🩺 Ocular Examination: Essential for diagnosing uveitis type.
- 🩺 Laboratory Tests: Blood tests for autoimmune markers.
- 🩺 Imaging: OCT, fluorescein angiography if indicated.
Management
- 💊 Topical Corticosteroids: First-line for anterior uveitis.
- 💊 Systemic Corticosteroids: For severe cases.
- 💊 Immunosuppressive Therapy: For chronic cases.
- 💊 Antibiotics/Antivirals: For infectious uveitis.
Complications:
- 🚨 Cataracts
- 🚨 Glaucoma
- 🚨 Retinal damage
- 🚨 Vision loss
Conclusion
Uveitis is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Regular follow-up is crucial to prevent complications. Making informed decisions in the management of this condition can significantly affect patient outcomes.
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