The uvea is the name given to the area that is comprised of three distinct structures located in the center of the eyeball. These structures are intimately connected that disease or inflammation in one region will quickly spread to another. Luckily, inflammation in this area responds quickly to treatment.
What is the Uveal Tract?
The choroid is a thin sheet of membrane between the outer protective sclera and the retina.
- Its role is to alter the shape of the lens through movement of the ciliary muscle – allowing us to focus on near objects – and also to make the fluid (the aqueous humour) which circulates in the chamber between the lens and the inner surface of the cornea.
Choroiditis
It is usually caused by an uveal infection called toxoplasmosis.
Uveitis
This is a general term used to describe various inflammations of the uvea. The causes of this condition include both bacteria and viruses.
Treatment
Treatment of infections of the uveal tract involves administering drugs as eye drops.
- The main goal of treating uveitis is to reduce inflammation and redness in the eye.
- In most cases, it is treated with certain types of eye drops, however, in cases of infection or autoimmune diseases, the patient can be referred to another specialist doctor.
Iritis
It produces a red painful eye; vision may be blurred and the eye may have a watery look. The redness comes about from engorgement of the blood vessels from near the iris in the neighbouring sclera white of the eye.
- Since strong light stimulates the tender ciliary muscles, a person with iritis tries to avoid light, often by keeping his eyes shut.
I thought I had conjunctivitis. What is the difference?
iritis is inflammation of the thin lining of the eyelids and white part of the eye, giving an itchy irritation of this whole area.
What are the drops for?
In glaucoma, there is an obstruction at the drainage points that allow the fluid- called the aqueous humour – to drain away.
- The purpose of the drops is to keep free the point at which the fluid apes, by tightening up the muscles that constrict the iris.
Choroiditis
It produces a gradual impair vision.
Glaucoma
This is another problem that can occur in the front of the uvea.
