Posterior Uveitis
What is Uveitis?
Uveitis is a condition where the uvea— or the middle layer of the eye — becomes inflamed. The uvea consists of the iris, ciliary body and choroid. Uveitis can have many different causes that range from eye injuries to inflammatory disease. The types of uveitis are:
Anterior Uveitis: inflammation of the iris
Intermediate Uveitis: inflammation of the ciliary body
Posterior Uveitis: inflammation of the choroid
Diffuse Uveitis: inflammation of all areas of the uvea
What is Posterior Uveitis?
Posterior uveitis (also referred to as choroiditis), is when the choroid becomes inflamed. The choroid— responsible for providing oxygen and nourishment to the retina— is the vascular layer of the eye. It contains connective tissue and lies between the retina and the sclera. When the choroid becomes inflamed, the retina and the optic nerve are both vulnerable to damage.There are infection and noninfectious cases. Posterior Uveitis can lead to permanent loss of vision.
What causes Posterior Uveitis?
This particular condition takes place most frequently in people ages 20 to 50. A previous study found that uveitis is responsible for up to 10% of all cases of blindness. Posterior Uveitis has dozens of causes that vary from fungal, viral and bacterial infections. It is common for the cause of the uveitis to be unknown. Smoking increases your risk of posterior uveitis due to inflammation of the blood vessels.
Posterior Uveitis is normally a painless disorder. Patients with this condition will have loss of vision and may experience floaters, typically in both eyes.
What is the treatment?
Tablets and injections are possible treatment choices, depending on your symptoms. When steroids are used as treatment, a high dosage is required in order for the steroids to reach the eye. The use of steroids and any other immunosuppressants have serious side effects such as high blood sugar and blood pressure, glaucoma and kidney damage. It’s extremely important to follow the dosage instructions and regularly checkup on the progress of the treatment.
For information and consultation regarding treatment for Posteriors Uveitis, contact our main office at (405) 607-6699.
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