Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammatory disease that causes swelling of the middle layer of the eye known as the uvea. This inflammation can also damage other parts of the eye, including the retina, sclera, and cornea. Uveitis may lead to vision loss or even blindness in rare instances.

Uveitis Causes & Symptoms

Uveitis can result from an injury or trauma, infection, or as a result of an autoimmune disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or vasculitis.

For many children, the cause for suffering from uveitis is often unknown.

Symptoms may include:

• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Redness of the eye
• Eye pain or irritation
• Floating spots in the field of vision

Diagnosis

If you suspect that your child is suffering from uveitis, a careful examination should be completed by an eye doctor, or ophthalmologist. Our pediatric rheumatologist will work closely with you and your ophthalmologist during this process.

Along with a complete review of your child’s medical history, several tests may be ordered to help confirm uveitis. These may include:

• Eye imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• Blood tests
• X-rays

Uveitis Treatment in Austin & Cedar Park, TX

Once diagnosed, uveitis should be treated as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage to eyesight. Because uveitis is often associated with other inflammatory conditions, it is important to consult a pediatric rheumatologist about a treatment plan in addition to your child’s ophthalmologist. Potential treatment options for uveitis include eye drops to reduce inflammation (especially corticosteroids), oral medications, eye injections, and  infusions. When suffering from cases of severe light sensitivity, wearing dark eye glasses may also be prescribed.