{"id":6670,"date":"2019-05-23T04:58:46","date_gmt":"2019-05-23T04:58:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6670"},"modified":"2022-02-07T08:36:39","modified_gmt":"2022-02-07T08:36:39","slug":"10-general-symptoms-of-uveitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/10-general-symptoms-of-uveitis\/","title":{"rendered":"14 General Symptoms of Uveitis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Uveitis is a common health condition that causes inflammation and infection of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It\u2019s diagnosed in millions of people every year, and the condition is usually easy enough to treat when it\u2019s diagnosed early on enough in the process \u2013 although the disease has the risk of fast progression and permanent eye damage when it\u2019s left untreated for long periods of time. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some conditions (including many autoimmune disorders and general infections) can put you at a higher risk of developing uveitis. Symptoms of the condition can include redness and swelling in the eyes, increased tear production and discharge in the eyes; vision distortion and the appearance of speckles or floaters in the eyes are also reported as very common symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect the condition, make an appointment with your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 8 general symptoms of uveitis that you should be aware of. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Redness and Swelling of the Eyes<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


<\/b>Redness <\/a>and swelling of the eyes (as well as what feels like constant dryness and often irritation) are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of uveitis, and you\u2019re likely to experience these as some of the first symptoms if you have contracted the condition. These symptoms lead to a lot of discomfort and pain, and they risk impairing the vision for the duration of the infection \u2013 and left untreated, they can even lead to more permanent vision loss due to damage. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When redness and swelling are experienced as symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor, who should be able to prescribe the right antibiotics to treat the condition and the right medication to alleviate the symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember to avoid rubbing or touching the eyes, especially in cases where uveitis is suspected: This can only risk spreading the infection further or re-infecting the eyes with the same infection from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Increased Tear Production<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Increased tear production is a common symptom that\u2019s associated with uveitis<\/a>, and if you experience this symptom it often goes together with some of the other ones that are mentioned on this list including redness and swelling in the eyes, as well as light sensitivity and headaches. An increased rate of fluid or tears coming from the eyes is the first sign that there\u2019s something irritating the eyes, and this can point to an eye infection or condition like uveitis. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes it remains as only increased tear production, but as the condition progresses (especially if left untreated), it can later change to discharge in the eyes instead and the condition might worsen from there. A doctor\u2019s appointment and extreme cleanliness and hygiene are recommended to decrease the risk of making an existing condition any worse if you suspect that uveitis or an eye infection might be the cause behind your symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Discharge in the Eyes<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Discharge present in the eyes or appearing to come from it is a common symptom that can be associated with a diagnosis of an eye infection <\/a>or condition such as uveitis. If you experience sudden discharge coming from your eyes, it might be tempting to remove it yourself \u2013 but this is the worst potential thing that you can do, and it will only serve to spread the infection, irritate the eye further and make the condition worse to deal with. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect that you might have an eye infection (and\/or uveitis) and discharge from the eyes presents as one of the symptoms, the best thing you can do is an immediate appointment with your doctor to seek the proper treatment. Anything else that you do to yourself, including rubbing or touching the eyes, will only likely spread the infection further and can lead to it being able to do more damage to your health. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Light Sensitivity<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Light sensitivity is a common symptom associated with eye infections, many chronic eye conditions, and uveitis \u2013 and if you experience sudden light sensitivity, you should make an immediate appointment with your doctor in order to establish the cause. There are many other different health conditions that can cause uveitis, and not all of them directly have to do with your eyes: Diabetes <\/a>is just one example of this, and can present with everything from blurred vision to circulation issues. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience light sensitivity together with pain, redness, and swelling in the eyes, it\u2019s likely that it could be caused by uveitis and you should have the condition looked at by a doctor: These symptoms might even be present without light sensitivity being there at all. A doctor can help you to establish the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For temporary light sensitivity associated with uveitis, wear sunglasses, especially when you find yourself exposed to direct sunlight. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Vision Headaches<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vision headaches <\/a>are a symptom that many people who have uveitis will experience, although this is a symptom that can indicate many other conditions at the same time. Vision headaches can be defined as ones that appear to be centralized around the eyes, and you\u2019ll either feel a vision headache directly in the eyes or surrounding them. These types of headaches often appear to worsen when exposed to light, and can sometimes be associated with nausea and vomiting at the same time. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience vision headaches together with redness and swelling in the eyes, make a doctor\u2019s appointment immediately. This can sometimes be caused by allergies, but if the condition lasts for a longer period of time or comes back after a while, it\u2019s likely that there\u2019s something more to it and a closer look should be taken with the proper tests to examine what could be affecting your health.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Distortion in Vision<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vision distortion is a very common sign that something is wrong with your health, and it can easily point to uveitis if you experience it together with some of the other symptoms that have been mentioned on this list including redness, pain, and discomfort <\/a>in the eyes, sometimes combined with discharge. Make an appointment with your doctor to establish the cause of vision distortion if you have been experiencing it as a symptom \u2013 sometimes it might be uveitis, but other times it might even point to other conditions that are unrelated to the eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blurriness and distortion in vision are always serious signs, and when they aren\u2019t indicating an eye infection, they might point to everything from kidney problems through to early signs of diabetes. Rather than taking any chances with your health, just a few simple tests can help you to find the right treatment for the appropriate medical condition. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Specks in the Eye<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have been experiencing specks, floaters, dots, or blind spots present in your vision, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist <\/a>as soon as possible: It can be one of the first signs that you are developing an eye condition such as chronic uveitis, or it can point to a range of different conditions of the eye that can include cataracts, glaucoma or even retinal tearing or detachment. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dots appearing in the eyes can also be indicative of conditions such as high blood pressure and might serve as an early warning for medical emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, or seizures. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During your appointment, make a thorough list of symptoms for your doctor so that the right condition can be diagnosed easier and the right treatment can be recommended faster. From there, your doctor can help you to manage the condition with medication, lifestyle changes,<\/span> and natural methods that complement this. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Infection or Inflammation Elsewhere<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Uveitis is a health condition that<\/span> can sometimes go hand-in-hand with a range of other ones present in the body \u2013 and if you have an infection or inflammation elsewhere in the body, then it\u2019s likely that this can spread through to the eyes and be the cause behind uveitis, or the other way around. If you have any signs of infection, general signs are running a fever, getting shivers, insomnia, and generally feeling sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any kind of infection anywhere in the body is dangerous whether or not it\u2019s considered to indicate uveitis, and you should make an appointment with your doctor to treat the current infection if you experience symptoms or general issues with your health. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even when it\u2019s not uveitis, the majority of infections can be treated easily with the right treatment at the right time. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Itchy Eyes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the more common symptoms of uveitis is irritation and inflammation of the eyes, leading to an itching feeling. As a result of the sensation, the affected individual will scratch their eyes frequently, inflaming the eyelids. The patient develops redness in the whites of the eyes and discoloration of the eyelids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Itchy eyes will subside after the patient receives treatment from their doctor. The doctor may issue you with medicated eye drops<\/a> or moisturizing eye drops that alleviate the itching sensations in the eyelids. After regular use and treatment for the uveitis, the patient will fully recover, with the eyelids returning to normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s common for the patient to confuse the onset of uveitis with other medical disorders affecting the eyes. Before settling on your diagnosis, the doctor will need to run tests based on your symptoms to rule out other infections or diseases. These tests may include swabs and eye examination to look at the health of the uvea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Vision Loss<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Uveitis is a severe condition, and it can move from the acute to the chronic phase of the disorder quickly. So, if you notice any symptoms listed in this post, make sure you see a doctor immediately to get a diagnosis and treatment for your condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaving the disorder hoping that it resolves by itself can be a huge mistake for the patient. If uveitis progresses to a chronic state, it can cause a loss of vision in the patient. The affected individual will notice that their vision starts to blur, and they cannot focus on anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the uveitis, the patient’s vision blurs, and they start to notice gaps in their vision. If you don’t receive treatment immediately, the vision loss<\/a> may become permanent, leaving you blinded partially. Typically, most patients won’t progress to this stage because the itching symptoms and pain cause them to seek medical assistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Plaques <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The patient may find they develop plaques on top of the eyelids, resulting in itching sensations. Plaques occur due to a dysfunction of the skin on the eyelids<\/a>, causing the skin to thicken and dry out. These plaques increase the need for the patient to scratch their eyes, increasing discomfort and irritation worsening the effects of the uveitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some patients may confuse the development of the plaques with the onset of psoriasis. Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder affecting the skin. This disease creates an immune response where the immune system mistakes healthy skin cells for invading pathogens. As a result, the immune system launches an attack on the skin cells, leading to the development of psoriasis plaques in the affected individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plaques are irritating to the ski, causing the need to use medicated moisturizing lotions to hydrate and nourish the skin. Typically, these plaques fade away and flake off the dead skin cells after a few weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. General Feeling of Unwellness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The progression of uveitis <\/a>may occur alongside or after the patient develops feelings of unwellness. The patient may not understand what is causing the feelings of illness, leaving them to wait until they see a doctor about the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you feel unwell or not like your normal self for more than a few days, you should see your physician for a check-up. Uveitis can occur as a reaction to cancer spreading through the eye. If you have cancer, it’s critical that you get as early a diagnosis as possible. Leaving the diagnosis hoping that things will get better by themselves could cause severe complications and progression of the disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cancer requires swift diagnosis and treatment if the patient hopes to survive the ordeal. If you notice that you have itching, red, and sore eyes, make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up. They will examine your eyes for signs of uveitis, and they will take bloodwork to check on the health and activity of the immune system, leading them to uncover cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Diagnosis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, the eye irritation caused by uveitis may confuse the patient before they receive a diagnosis from a medical professional. The patient may think that their symptoms occur due to a condition like dry eye syndrome or confuse it with existing conditions, like blepharitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, they may delay diagnosis of their condition, leading to the more severe effects of the disease manifesting in the affected eye. Delaying your diagnosis can result in you experiencing the vision loss associated with the advanced form of uveitis. Therefore, it’s critical that you seek medical assistance and diagnosis as soon as possible after noticing symptoms <\/a>emerge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor will use a dilated eye exam to check for signs of uveitis in the affected eye. The exam is easy to administer and painless, and the doctor will have the answer right away. The doctor or ophthalmologist uses medicated eye drops to widen (dilate) the pupil during the procedure. They use a light-based viewing device to check on the health of the uvea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Treatments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your doctor comes back with a diagnosis of uveitis, they will issue you with treatment immediately., As mentioned, uveitis is aggressive, and leaving it untreated for too long could result in vision loss. The physician or ophthalmologist will use steroid medications to subside the inflammation in the affected eye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The doctor will issue these steroidal medications in eyedrop format. Eyedrops are the most common form of treatment. The doctor may prescribe you steroidal treatments in pill form or through injection therapy that they administer into the tissues around the eyeball. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In rare instances, the doctor may use an implant to administer the steroids, releasing anti-inflammatory steroids to the affected eyeball over time. It’s important to note that these steroids are not the anabolic steroids <\/a>used by bodybuilders. They are safe for use in the human body under the guidance of a medical professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the administration of steroids to the eye can result in a higher risk of the patient developing glaucoma and cataracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>