At Lock Family Eye Care, we have been providing residents of West Des Moines, IA with reliable eye care services for many years. One of the many conditions we treat is uveitis. Uveitis is a form of eye inflammation that affects the middle layer of eye tissue. If left unaddressed, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Scheduling regular eye exams with our optometrist will allow us to diagnose and treat your condition before vision loss is allowed to occur.
Overview of Uveitis
Uveitis causes inflammation in the middle layer of the eye. Since this is a serious condition that sometimes results in permanent vision loss, the roles early diagnosis and treatment play is important in preventing complications and preserving your eyesight. In some patients, symptoms appear suddenly and worsen quickly. In others, signs develop gradually. The disorder might affect one or both eyes. The most notable symptoms include:
- • Pain in the eye
- • Blurry vision
- • Light sensitivity
- • Redness in an eye
- • Floaters or flashes of light in the visual field
Inflammation occurs once specific problems have triggered an immune reaction. Potential causes of uveitis include:
- • Eye trauma
- • Tumors or malignancies in the eye or elsewhere
- • Toxins that manage to penetrate the eye
- • Infections
- • Autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
There are four types of uveitis –anterior, intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis, which affect all major parts of the eye. Potential complications include retinal scarring, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal swelling, damage to the optic nerve, retinal detachment, and eventual vision loss.
Treatment Options
Our optometrist diagnoses uveitis after a comprehensive eye exam and assessment of the patient’s health history. In some cases, laboratory tests will be ordered to determine the root cause of your inflammation. An exam for uveitis may include a visual acuity assessment, a dilated eye exam, and photographs using a special dye.
The goal of treatment is to eliminate inflammation, reduce your pain, prevent additional tissue damage, and restore your lost vision. Medication to treat the disorder is available as drops, pills, or an injection. Immunosuppressive medications benefit many patients with chronic or recurring diseases.
Schedule an Exam with Our West Des Moines, IA Eye Doctor
At Lock Family Eye Care, we have been providing residents of West Des Moines, IA with reliable optometry services for many years. Whether you require corrective eyewear, treatment for disorders such as uveitis or glaucoma, or vision therapy, we are ready to assist you. For more information on uveitis or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor, call us today at (515) 267-1312.
