Uveitis Eye Inflammation Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
An Inside Look At Uveitis
Uveitis is a serious and sometimes painful eye condition that shouldn't be ignored. It's caused by inflammation in the uvea, a layer of tissue just inside the outer white part of your eye. The uvea is made up of a layer of blood vessels, a muscular ring that surrounds your pupil, and the iris, the colored part of your eye.Together, they help your eyes focus so you can clearly see objects at different distances. They also adjust how much light enters your pupil so you can see in dim or bright light. The blood vessels in the uvea also supply vital nutrients to important parts of the eye, like the retina.
There are four main types of uveitis, depending on where the inflammation happens. The most common kind is called anterior uveitis, which affects the front part of your eye, including the iris and sometimes the muscular ring as well. Intermediate uveitis is when just the muscular ring is inflamed. And posterior uveitis, the least common type, impacts the back of your eye, which includes the layer of blood vessels and retina. When all three areas are inflamed, it's called panuveitis.
Many things can cause uveitis, from infection and injury to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Left untreated, inflammation can cause permanent damage and lead to blindness. If you have eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or light sensitivity, be sure to see an eye doctor for a complete exam, and get treatment early to avoid complications. ","publisher":"WebMD Video"} ]]>
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Uveitis is a serious and sometimes painful eye condition that shouldn't be ignored. It's caused by inflammation in the uvea, a layer of tissue just inside the outer white part of your eye. The uvea is made up of a layer of blood vessels, a muscular ring that surrounds your pupil, and the iris, the colored part of your eye.Together, they help your eyes focus so you can clearly see objects at different distances. They also adjust how much light enters your pupil so you can see in dim or bright light. The blood vessels in the uvea also supply vital nutrients to important parts of the eye, like the retina.
There are four main types of uveitis, depending on where the inflammation happens. The most common kind is called anterior uveitis, which affects the front part of your eye, including the iris and sometimes the muscular ring as well. Intermediate uveitis is when just the muscular ring is inflamed. And posterior uveitis, the least common type, impacts the back of your eye, which includes the layer of blood vessels and retina. When all three areas are inflamed, it's called panuveitis.
Many things can cause uveitis, from infection and injury to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Left untreated, inflammation can cause permanent damage and lead to blindness. If you have eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or light sensitivity, be sure to see an eye doctor for a complete exam, and get treatment early to avoid complications.
Uveitis Triggers
There are common and uncommon causes for inflammation inside the eye, uveitis. We cause uveitis every time we do eye surgery and we get irritation inside the eye. Any time there's any serious trauma to an eye, there is an element of uveitis. But uveitis from infection, from arthritis is actually fairly uncommon. Like psoriasis, non-veneral herpes simplex, rheumatoid arthritis, and other immune conditions, very unusual things in this country like tuberculosis, syphilis, and venereal disease -- again, although they're not common causes of inflammation, they need to be recognized because they may have specific treatment. If your eye is very red, you have ache and not just irritation, and you are very sensitive to light, it means that you may have something more than just pink eye. And you need to go to your eye doctor. ","publisher":"WebMD Video"} ]]>Hide Video Transcript
Alan Kozarsky, MD
There are common and uncommon causes for inflammation inside the eye, uveitis. We cause uveitis every time we do eye surgery and we get irritation inside the eye. Any time there's any serious trauma to an eye, there is an element of uveitis. But uveitis from infection, from arthritis is actually fairly uncommon. Like psoriasis, non-veneral herpes simplex, rheumatoid arthritis, and other immune conditions, very unusual things in this country like tuberculosis, syphilis, and venereal disease -- again, although they're not common causes of inflammation, they need to be recognized because they may have specific treatment. If your eye is very red, you have ache and not just irritation, and you are very sensitive to light, it means that you may have something more than just pink eye. And you need to go to your eye doctor.How Does Psoriatic Arthritis Affect Your Eyes?
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been associated with eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, uveitis, and dry eyes, among others. Several treatment options may help relieve symptoms.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune condition associated with the skin condition psoriasis.
PsA most commonly causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in your joints as well as scaly, itchy skin lesions.
However, in some cases, PsA may also affect your eyes. This may cause uncomfortable symptoms and lead to several complications, such as vision loss.
Keep reading to learn more about eye conditions that are associated with PsA and how they are treated.
Research suggests that up to 70% of people living with psoriasis experience eye-related symptoms, such as:
In people with PsA, these symptoms may be caused by the condition's inflammation, an eye condition, or other causes unrelated to PsA. For example, dry eyes and blurred vision are symptoms of Sjögren's disease, which may affect people with PsA.
If you experience eye symptoms and PsA, it's important to get an assessment from a healthcare professional like an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They could diagnose the underlying cause and provide a treatment plan.
Typically, the surface of your eye is covered by a tear film made up of watery, oily, and mucous layers. This helps lubricate and protect your eye.
However, if your eyes don't produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly, you may experience dry eyes.
Symptoms of dry eyes may include:
In some cases, dry eye may develop without noticeable symptoms, which can occur in Sjögren's disease.
Treatment for dry eyes will depend on several factors, such as the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. This may include:
If meibomian gland dysfunction is causing dry eyes, treatment will focus on unblocking your eyelid glands. This may include topical, oral, or eye drop medications like antibiotics or steroids. It may also include at-home remedies like warm compresses and regular eyelid hygiene.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 7% of people with PsA will develop uveitis.
Uveitis is a condition in which inflammation occurs in the uvea of the eye. The uvea is the middle layer of your eye and includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
Uveitis can affect all or some parts of your uvea.
For example, anterior uveitis is a type of uveitis that affects only the iris, also known as iritis. It occurs when white blood cells collect in the anterior chamber of the eye.
Symptoms of uveitis may include:
Speak with a healthcare professional if you notice any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications, such as:
Conjunctivitis is inflammation that occurs in the conjunctiva of the eye. It's sometimes known as pink eye, especially when it results from an infection.
The conjunctiva is a thin layer of tissue that covers the whites of your eyes and the inside of your eyelids. When it gets inflamed, the edges of the whites of your eyes become red and irritated.
Research suggests that conjunctivitis is a common ocular complication of psoriasis and may occur for several reasons, including:
Symptoms of conjunctivitis may include:
Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the cause. If a doctor suspects you have conjunctivitis due to a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotic eye drops.
In other cases, they may recommend lubricating or steroid eye drops to reduce symptoms until the condition resolves on its own.
Ectropion occurs when the bottom eyelid turns outwards.
If you have skin psoriasis as well as PsA, scaly patches may develop on your face, around your eyes, and on your eyelids. This can potentially change the shape of your eyelids. In some cases, it can result in ectropion.
Symptoms of ectropion may include:
Treatment for ectropion may involve surgery. A doctor will remove extra skin and reshape your eyelid back to normal.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you notice a change in your vision or how your eyes are feeling.
They can help you identify the cause of your eye symptoms, such as whether it's related to PsA or another medical condition.
Leaving an eye condition untreated may put you at risk of complications, including vision loss in severe cases.
Can psoriatic arthritis affect the eyes?Yes, psoriatic arthritis has been associated with several eye conditions, including dry eyes, uveitis, and conjunctivitis, among others.
What are the red flags of psoriatic arthritis?The most common psoriatic arthritis (PsA) symptoms to look out for include swelling, stiffness, and pain that affect the joints in your knees, fingers, and toes. Other symptoms may include nail pitting and dactylitis, which is when your fingers resemble sausages.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis in the eyes?Symptoms of psoriasis that affect your eyes may include a burning, itching, or gritty sensation in your eyes. You may also experience inflammation, dry skin, and lesions on your eyelids and the areas surrounding your eyes.
What is the life expectancy of a person with psoriatic arthritis?A 2023 study that followed participants with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from 2000 to 2017 found that they decreased life expectancy by 6.41 and 6.48 years, respectively. The main contribution to a decreased life expectancy is considered to be related to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is related to chronic inflammation.
That said, PsA affects everyone differently. Speak with a healthcare professional about your outlook.
Although PsA is mainly associated with pain and inflammation of the joints, it may also increase your chance of developing certain eye conditions.
If you develop symptoms of inflammation or other problems in your eyes, contact a doctor or eye care professional. They can help develop a plan to relieve the symptoms and keep your eyes healthy.
Read this article in Spanish.
PsA is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes stiff and painful joints, back pain, swollen fingers, and other symptoms. A rheumatologist diagnoses and treats diseases that affect the bones, joints, and muscles. They may partner with your primary care doctor to monitor PsA progression and prescribe treatments such as lifestyle changes and medication.
Many people with PsA have already been diagnosed with psoriasis, which causes inflamed skin patches that can be painful or itchy. You may already work with a dermatologist, who specializes in assessing and managing skin conditions with treatments such as light therapy or medication.
PsA can cause uveitis, which is inflammation in the eye that may cause pain, redness, and vision changes. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in eye health. They examine your eyes and prescribe treatment such as medication if necessary.
People with PsA have increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes symptoms such as cramps and diarrhea. A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They may prescribe medication or adjust your regimen, since some PsA medications also treat IBD.
An occupational therapist evaluates your ability to perform daily activities and meet your goals. They may adjust your tasks and environment or recommend assistive devices to help improve quality of life with PsA. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen muscles, maintain range of motion, and promote joint stability. They may use techniques like cold therapy or massage to ease joint pain.
Obesity promotes inflammation and adds stress to your joints, which can aggravate PsA symptoms and increase the risk of complications. A well-managed diet may help you lose weight, lower inflammation, and support overall health. A registered dietitian can design a sustainable, balanced diet plan.
People with PsA have increased risk of anxiety and depression. And psychological stress may impact PsA symptoms. A psychologist, clinical social worker, or licensed counselor diagnoses and treats mental health conditions with psychotherapy. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication if needed.
PsA increases heart disease risk. A cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. They may order tests and prescribe treatments, such as lifestyle changes or medication, to protect your heart.
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