Chronic Uveitis

Chronic uveitis is a long-term inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Uveitis can cause redness, pain, and vision problems, and in chronic cases, it lasts for more than three months or recurs frequently. Chronic uveitis can lead to serious complications if not properly treated, including cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal damage.

• Causes: Chronic uveitis can be caused by autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or sarcoidosis. It can also result from infections (e.g., herpes, syphilis, or tuberculosis) or trauma to the eye. In some cases, the cause of uveitis remains unknown, which is known as idiopathic uveitis.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of chronic uveitis include eye pain, redness, light sensitivity (photophobia), blurred vision, and floaters (dark spots or strings in the field of vision). These symptoms may worsen during flare-ups and can affect one or both eyes.
• Treatment: Treatment for chronic uveitis focuses on reducing inflammation and managing the underlying cause. Corticosteroid eye drops, oral medications, or injections are commonly used to control inflammation. Immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed for severe or recurrent cases. Early and effective treatment is critical to preventing vision loss or complications.