Diseases

Cyclitis (Uvetis)

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Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the pigmented layer that lies between the inner retina and the outer fibrous layer composed of the sclera and cornea. The uvea consists of the middle layer of pigmented vascular structures of the eye and includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Uveitis is an ophthalmic emergency and requires a thorough examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and urgent treatment to control the inflammation.

SYMPTOMS

burning of the eye
redness of the eye
blurred vision
photophobia or sensitivity to light
irregular pupil
blacked out sclera
floaters, which are dark spots that float in the visual field
headaches
signs of anterior uveitis include dilated ciliary vessels, presence of cells and flare in the anterior chamber, and keratic precipitates ("kp") on the posterior surface of the cornea. In severe inflammation there may be evidence of a hypopyon. Old episodes of uveitis are identified by pigment deposits on lens, kps, and festooned pupil on dilation of pupil.

CAUSES

Uveitis is usually an isolated illness, but can be associated with many other medical conditions.
In anterior uveitis, no associated condition or syndrome is found in approximately one-half of cases. However, anterior uveitis is often one of the syndromes associated with hla-b27. Presence of this type of hla allele has a relative risk of evolving this disease by approximately 15%.
The most common form of uveitis is acute anterior uveitis (aau). It is most commonly associated with hla-b27, which has important features: hla-b27 aau can be associated with ocular inflammation alone or in association with systemic disease. Hla-b27 aau has characteristic clinical features including male preponderance, unilateral alternating acute onset, a non-granulomatous appearance, and frequent recurrences, whereas hla-b27 negative aau has an equivalent male to female onset, bilateral chronic course, and more frequent granulomatous appearance. Rheumatoid Arthritis is not uncommon in asian countries as a significant association of uveitis.