Uveitis (cont.)
How Is Uveitis Diagnosed?
Uveitis can permanently damage your eyesight and even cause
blindness. Therefore, if you have any symptoms of uveitis, is
very important for you to see your ophthalmologist right away.
Your ophthalmologist will perform a careful exam of
your eyes. He or she may order laboratory tests including blood
work or X-rays.
Uveitis may have an underlying cause elsewhere in your body,
and your ophthalmologist may want to talk with your primary care
doctor or a specialist to evaluate your overall health.
How Is Uveitis Treated?
Because uveitis is serious, treatment needs to begin right
away. For uveitis not caused by an infection, your
ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops containing steroids to
reduce swelling and drugs to relieve pain. Antibiotics are used
in patients with infectious uveitis. Dark glasses will help with
light sensitivity.
Complications of uveitis may include
glaucoma,
cataracts, abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eyes
that interfere with vision, fluid within the retina, and vision
loss. Early diagnosis and treatment by your ophthalmologist is
critical.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by John P Keenan, MD on September 26, 2009
© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Last Editorial Review: 9/26/2009