A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

INFLAMMATORY EYE CONDITIONS

What are Inflammatory Eye Conditions ?

Uveitis is an inflammation of the vascular lining of the eye (the uvea). Anterior uveitis affecting the front part of the eye is often called "iritis". This commonly occurs in young individuals often the first attack occurring around the age of 20. The eye is light sensitive (photophobic) and becomes red without being sticky or watering. It is often painful particularly when focusing for reading and the vision may become blurred. Posterior Uveitis. The vascular coat underneath the retina becomes inflamed in this condition and the vitreous gel in the back compartment of the eye is also usually inflamed. This results in blurred and cloudy vision often with floaters. Episcleritis. This is a mild inflammation of the lining tissue underneath the conjunctiva. This causes redness and some discomfort. It usually resolves after a few weeks but may recur. Scleritis. Scleritis is a more serious condition. The white of the eye becomes inflamed causing the eye to look "brick red". There is often a deep boring painful sensation in the eye with headache. Again there is usually no discharge or watering. If severe the scleritis can cause some localised destruction (necrosis) of the white of the eye and cornea.

How do Inflammatory Eye Conditions occur ?

These conditions are generally due to autoimmune disorder. The immune system which is designed to fight infections becomes disordered. The immune system basically attacks its own host tissue. This can occur in many part of the body in a number of different conditions. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common example of an autoimmune disorder.

Why do Inflammatory Eye Conditions occur ?

The cause of the autoimmune process is not fully understood, however much research continues. In anterior uveitis the condition is usually not associated with an underlying general inflammation, however a specific condition called Reiters Syndrome occurs due to infection which also results in urethritis and arthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition of the lower back causing stiffness and pain. Sufferers commonly have recurrent episodes of anterior uveitis. Posterior uveitis may be more serious and associated with a number of generalised inflammatory conditions affecting the body. Sarcoidosis condition which generally affects the lungs but may affect other tissues and tuberculosis and examples. In sarcoidosis anterior uveitis may be the presenting feature. Toxoplasmosis is another cause. This may cause scarring in the back of the eye in the retina which results in reduced in vision. Individuals with reduced immunity, particularly those with AIDS are susceptible to inflammatory eye conditions due to infection with virus. Cytomegalo virus (CMV) which causes retinal destruction is the usual type. Scleritis is particularly associated with rheumatoid arthritis and may occur independently of this condition.

During Treatment for Inflammatory Eye Conditions

Steroids (Cortisone treatment) is the mainstay of treatment. For relatively mild anterior inflammation the treatment is in eye drop form often starting with drops every one to two hours. With more severe posterior inflammation, treatment is with oral steroids and sometimes other immuno-suppressive drugs are used in combination. Investigations are necessary to exclude an underlying cause. This is generally by blood tests and chest x-ray and if an infective agent is suspected e.g. toxoplasmosis or Cytomegalo virus, specific treatment to control the infection is necessary.

After Treatment for Inflammatory Eye Conditions

Symptoms should improve with treatment although this may take many days. In serious inflammation treatment may be required for many weeks. Many of these conditions are recurrent and long-term follow up in an eye clinic is often necessary.

If Inflammatory Eye Conditions are Left Untreated

Anterior uveitis may clear up without treatment. The damage to the drainage system of the eye can result in glaucoma. Posterior uveitis can result in permanent loss of vision if untreated. Investigations are also important to establish if there is any associated systemic illness that may not be causing any symptoms but may cause a future serious health problem.