Anterior Uveitis and Iritis

By: Juliet Cohen Posted on: 2008-01-22 Downloads: 18 ** Print Article ** ** Copy Article ** Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5  Not yet Rated

Article Summary: Anterior Uveitis is the most common form of uveitis. Uveitis specifically refers to inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. The uvea is the layer of the eye between the sclera and the retina. This layer includes the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid.

Anterior Uveitis is the most common form of uveitis. Uveitis specifically refers to inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. The uvea is the layer of the eye between the sclera and the retina. This layer includes the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid. It will often be referred to as Iritis as the iris is the part of the uvea that is usually inflammed. Uveitis is estimated to be responsible for approximately 10% of the blindness in the United States. Uveitis is an inflammation inside the eye, affecting the uvea. The uvea provides most of the blood supply to the retina. Uveitis has dozens of causes, including viral, fungal, and bacterial infections or exposure to toxins. The disorder may affect only one eye and is most common in young and middle-aged people. A history of an autoimmune disease is a risk factor.

Anterior uveitis affects the back portion of the uveal tract, and involves primarily the choroid. This is called choroiditis. If the adjacent retina is also involved it is called chorioretinitis. Posterior uveitis may follow a systemic infection or occur in association with an autoimmune disease. Signs/symptoms may include a red, sore and inflamed eye, blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and a small pupil. A myriad of conditions can lead to the development of uveitis, including systemic diseases as well as syndromes confined to the eye. Uveitis is a two types acute or chronic. The chronic form is more often associated with systemic disorders including, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic uveitis most likely occurs due to an immunopathological mechanism.

Antimetabolite medications, such as methotrexate are often used for recalcitrant or more aggressive cases of uveitis. A long-acting cycloplegic agent, such as cyclopentolate or homatropine, should be used to help relieve both pain and photophobia and to prevent the formation of posterior synechiae. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstays of therapy and should be used aggressively during the initial phases of therapy. Uveitis is typically treated with glucocorticoid steroids, either as topical eye drops (such as betamethasone, dexamethasone or prednisolone) or oral therapy with prednisolone tablets. In addition topical cycloplegics, such as atropine or homatropine, may be used. In some cases an injection of PSTTA can also be given to reduce the swelling of the eye.

Anterior Uveitis and Iritis Treatment Information

1. Toxoplasmosis also needs a specific antibiotic.

2. Steroids is also recommend sometime.

3. Anti-inflammatory eye drops is and pupil-widening drops are prescribed.

4. Methotrexate are often used for recalcitrant.

5. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstays of therapy.

6. Topical cycloplegics, such as atropine or homatropine, may be used.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

About the Author:
Juliet Cohen
Juliet Cohen writes articles for Women Health. She also writes articles for Early Pregnancy.