What is uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the vascular part of the eye that supplies blood and nutrients to essential eye structures. It can affect one or more parts of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This condition can cause pain, redness, light sensitivity, and vision changes. If left untreated, uveitis can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, or even vision loss.
The underlying causes can vary and may include infections, immune system disorders, trauma, or other underlying health conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent longterm damage.
There are 2 regions to the uvea:
- Anterior – iris and ciliary body. The iris is the coloured portion of the eye and the ciliary body contains a muscle that helps focus the lens and produces aqueous humour (the fluid within the eye).
- Posterior – choroid. The choroid nourishes the retina and removes waste.
What are the clinical signs of uveitis?
Uveitis can be caused by any condition affecting the blood vessels in the eye. Common causes include trauma, such as penetrating injuries (e.g., a cat scratch), cataracts, and corneal ulcers, which can trigger secondary (reflex) uveitis due to the eye’s unique nerve pathways. Since uveitis can be linked to underlying systemic diseases, a full health assessment is often necessary.
Additional tests may include blood work, urine analysis, X-rays, ultrasound, and advanced imaging (CT or MRI). However, even with thorough testing, the exact cause remains unknown in approximately 50% of cases.
How is uveitis treated?
If left untreated, even mild uveitis can lead to severe complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and eventually vision loss. Therefore, early and effective treatment is crucial. Management of uveitis typically involves a combination of topical and systemic anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. In cases where an underlying cause is identified, targeted treatment is necessary. For example, if uveitis is associated with cataracts, cataract removal may be recommended as part of the treatment plan.
Close monitoring is essential, regardless of the severity of the condition. Uveitis can progress quickly, and even subtle inflammation can result in long-term damage if not properly controlled. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist help ensure that the condition is managed effectively and prevent complications that could lead to permanent vision impairment.
When uveitis is left untreated or poorly controlled, persistent inflammation can cause proteins and inflammatory cells to accumulate within the eye, leading to clouding of the lens (cataract). Additionally, the inflamed iris may adhere to the lens (posterior synechia), restricting normal pupil movement and potentially causing further vision impairment. These complications highlight the importance of early diagnosis and consistent management of uveitis to prevent irreversible damage and preserve vision.