Uveitis: A Clinical Guide

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of tissue surrounding the eye that consists of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. The anatomical forms of uveitis are anterior, intermediate, posterior, or diffuse. Anterior uveitis is defined as inflammation of the iris and the anterior chamber. Intermediate uveitis is defined as inflammation of the ciliary body and vitreous humor (the jellylike filling in the anterior portion of the eye). Posterior uveitis is defined as the inflammation of the retina, choroid, or optic disc (where the optic nerve enters the retina). The major causes include an infection (viral, fungal, bacterial, or parasitic), systemic disease (typically an autoimmune disorder), or injury to the eye. The symptoms of uveitis consist of eye redness, eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, floating spots, and decreased vision. Treatment consists of glucocorticoid steroids, either as topical eye drops (prednisolone acetate) or as oral therapy that relieves pain caused by spasms of the pupil-constriction muscle. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different causes, symptoms, and treatment methodologies of uveitis. It will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and postgraduate students.