Introduction:

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye between the white part (sclera) and the retina. The uvea includes the iris, and inflammation of the iris is the most common type of uveitis. Inflammation of the iris is called iritis or anterior uveitis.

Many blood vessels that nourish the eye are found in the uvea. Inflammation of the uvea can lead to loss of vision. Getting an early diagnosis and quick treatment is important to make sure you don' t have any permanent vision loss. You should always get conventional medical treatment for uveitis to avoid any complications.

Signs and Symptoms:

Uveitis may affect one or both eyes. Signs and symptoms include:

• Eye pain
• Red eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Tearing
• Floaters (dark spots in your vision)

What Causes It?:

Researchers aren' t sure what causes uveitis. It can happen suddenly (acute) or long-term (chronic). Uveitis affects men and women equally. It can happen at any age, but most commonly in the 20s.

Some possible causes of uveitis include trauma to the eye, such as chemical exposure; an infection such as toxoplasmosis or herpes; or some cancers.

Uveitis is also associated with autoimmune diseases, including Reiter syndrome, multiple sclerosis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and sarcoidosis.

Who's Most At Risk?:

People with the following conditions or characteristics are at risk for developing uveitis:

• Having an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease.
• Having infections such as syphilis, tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus, and Lyme disease.
• Having other eye diseases.
• Cat owners are at increased risk of toxoplasmosis because cat litter contains spores of the parasite. Pregnant women should not change cat litter.
• People who take certain medications, such as rifabutin (a type of antibiotic).

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office:

If you have symptoms of uveitis, you should see your doctor right away. Your doctor will do a complete physical exam and check for signs of other diseases, such as joint problems, mouth sores, rash, and nail pitting. Your doctor will also examine your eyes and may order laboratory tests and imaging. Your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist).

Treatment Options:

Prevention

Your health care provider can screen for uveitis during a regular eye exam. If you have any underlying conditions, treating them can help prevent uveitis. Avoiding drugs associated with uveitis, such as rifabutin, may also help prevent uveitis.

Treatment Plan

You need quick treatment from a doctor so that your vision isn' t permanently damaged. Warm compresses may help relieve symptoms. Sunglasses can protect your eyes if they are sensitive to light.

Drug Therapies

Your health care provider may prescribe the following medications:

• Corticosteroids -- to reduce swelling and pain. Your doctor may prescribe either eyedrops or pills.
• Antibiotics or antiviral medications -- depending on what is causing your uveitis
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- to reduce inflammation
• Medications to suppress the immune system -- in cases where corticosteroids don' t help

Surgical and Other Procedures

Surgery may be needed to repair any damage to the eyes. Cataracts, glaucoma, or a detached retina are potential complications from uveitis.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Uveitis needs conventional medical treatment -- don' t rely on CAM therapies alone to treat uveitis. Depending on what is causing your uveitis, CAM therapies may help treat an underlying disease. And some herbs and supplements can help reduce inflammation overall and are good for eye health.

Tell your health care provider about any herbs and supplements you are using or considering using.

Nutrition and Supplements

Following these nutritional tips are good for your overall health:

• Eat more antioxidant-rich foods (such as green, leafy vegetables, and peppers) and fruits (such as blueberries, tomatoes, and cherries). Antioxidants are good for eye health and overall health.
• Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
• Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy is present), or beans for protein.
• Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.

These supplements may also help:

• A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. These vitamins and minerals are good for eye health and overall health. One small study suggested that vitamin C and E may help reduce symptoms of anterior uveitis.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoon of oil 2 - 3 times daily, may help lower inflammation and boost the immune system. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources. Avoid taking omega-3 fatty acids before surgery for uveitis as they may increase the risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor before taking omega-3 fatty acids if you also take blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).
• Lutein, 2 - 6 mg daily, is an antioxidant that is important for eye health.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to diagnose your problem before starting any treatment. If you're being treated for uveitis, inform all of your health care providers of any herbal remedies you're considering taking. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) standardized extract, 300 mg 3 times daily -- has antioxidant properties and may help boost the immune system. One small study suggested turmeric may help reduce symptoms of chronic uveitis, but the study was not well designed. Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding. Ask your doctor before taking turmeric if you also take blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies have not been studied scientifically for uveitis. An experienced homeopath could consider your individual case and may recommend treatments to help relieve your specific symptoms.

Prognosis/Possible Complications:

Prognosis is good with early diagnosis and treatment. Depending on what' s causing your uveitis, you may need short-term or long-term treatment. Possible complications include glaucoma, cataracts, vision loss, and detached retina.

Following Up:

Your health care provider may examine your eyes with a slit lamp, which allows a magnified look at small sections of your cornea, iris, and lens. Your health care provider will also measure the pressure within your eye every 1 - 7 days while your uveitis is active. A follow-up appointment every 1 - 6 months is generally recommended. Your health care provider will tell you when you should come back.