What is uveitis?

Red eyes may be the sign of uveitis. Inflammation of 'uvea' layer of the eye is called Uveitis. The gel-like substance located at the center of the eye having a ball-like structure is surrounded by a 3-layer envelope. There is a rough and white section called sclera at the outmost, a section called retina which enables us to see at the innermost and uvea at the center. Inflammation of 'uvea' is called Uveitis. Uvea comprises of veins feeding the eye. Inflammation of this section affects all eye tissues, leading to situations which seriously threaten visual ability. Uveitis is a curable disease. Except for rare cases, the eye can be recovered owing to suitable treatment and a regular patient-ophthalmologist relationship. Even though the treatment is completed, patient should be examined at least once in three months. Since this disease may recur, controls should be carried out regularly without interruption or the ophthalmologist should be informed about different symptoms regarding other organs. For instance, canker sores and blotches, etc.…

Symptoms of Uveitis

If uveitis occurs at the front section of the eye, red eyes, blurry vision, sight impairment, pain around the eye, sensitivity to light and flying objects are the symptoms during the inflammation period. If inflammation occurs at the back, blurry vision and sight impairment are the primary symptoms. If inflammation is at the center, sudden sight impairments occur and lead to permanent sight impairment due to damaged tissues. Inflammations and damages occurring outside the center come forth together with blurry vision yet no permanent sight impairment occurs as long as macula is not affected.

Reasons of Uveitis

In 30% - %40 of uveitis patients, the reason can not be known. Uveitis may result either from viruses, fungus and parasites or as a symptom of a disease in the body. Therefore, disease should be researched by performing some assays. Besides, uveitis may be seen to the accompaniment of systemic diseases. For instance, Behçet’s Disease. Diseases which may lead to uveitis are as follows; Behçet’s Disease, eye infected by infections (bacteria, virus, parasite or fungus) (tuberculosis, pox, herpes, toxoplasmosis etc.), eye trauma, immune system disorders, rheumatic diseases, ulcerative colitis.

How is uveitis diagnosed?

Uveitis is an urgent disease regardless of the severity and should be intervened immediately. In case of late diagnosis, the disease progresses and may have permanent side effects such as deformities, cataract, high glaucoma, etc. on the pupil. This disease may be diagnosed immediately due to its typical appearance. If the back side of the eye is infected, techniques such as angiography, ultrasonography and ERG in order to determine to what extent the visual ability is threatened and to follow up the efficiency of the treatment may be required. For example, in suspicious cases, angiographies which are performed with a pigment called ICG (indocyanine green) may provide information about the disease which directly leads to diagnosis. After symptoms occur, you should be examined by your ophthalmologist. Uveitis may result in permanent sight impairment.

Behçet’s Disease

The disease was defined for the first time in 1937 by Ord. Prof Dr. Hulusi Behçet. Behçet’s Disease has three primary symptoms, namely canker sores in the mouth, uveitis in the eye and wounds in genital organs. It is a major vasculitis that may infect various systems such as the skin, joints, digestive and nervous system and large veins. Mediterranean countries, which we call the Silk Road Zone, such as Turkey, Israel and Japan are the ones where this disease is commonly observed. As it is seen, genetic factors are predominant. If not treated, this disease may result in blindness in 2 or 3 years. Since the disease is better understood and more advanced treatment methods are used today, 80% success is achieved. Eye involvement, brain-nerve system involvement and large vein involvement in Behçet’s disease affect the life quality in a negative way. If the prevalence of Behçet’s Disease in our country is taken into account, the importance of early diagnosis comes into light.