If the eye becomes inflamed, it can cause anterior uveitis in the front of the eye. This condition is a result of damage to the normal barrier between the blood and the fluid in the front of the eye. Anterior uveitis can cause intense pain and light sensitivity but is usually able to be treated with no long-lasting impacts on vision.
In a healthy eye, the blood flow is restricted from coming into contact with the fluid in the front of the eye called the aqueous. The blood in the iris and the ciliary muscle both have tight connections in the blood vessels to prevent leakage into the aqueous fluid around them. If blood is allowed to come into contact with the aqueous fluid, anterior uveitis can develop from the migration of white blood cells into the front of the eyes.
Anterior uveitis can cause a very red, bloodshot appearance in the eyes. Along with the redness that is seen with anterior uveitis, there will be extreme pain and light sensitivity. Anterior uveitis may also result in blurred vision or difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
Most cases of anterior uveitis occur without a known cause. However, if the cause is known, it is usually due to an autoimmune condition. Conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis are related to developing anterior uveitis. Less common causes of anterior uveitis include infections — such as syphilis or herpes — and following trauma or an injury.
Anterior uveitis will require treatment using eye drops to reduce the inflammation. These eye drops are steroid eye drops such as prednisolone acetate or difluprednate. The steroid eye drops will be used multiple times each day and used for at least a week and usually multiple weeks. Additionally, a drop to dilate the eyes can be used to relieve the pain associated with the iris constricting while being inflamed. The dilation drop may be either atropine, homatropine, or phenylephrine. If there is an underlying condition or issue that is leading to anterior uveitis, the underlying cause must also be treated. Autoimmune conditions are frequently managed using oral steroids or immunomodulator medications. Infections will be treated using antibiotics or anti-viral medication.
Anterior uveitis is most often an acute issue that does not have long-term or residual issues. If there is damage to any part of the eye — the iris, cornea, or lens— then the damage may persist even after the inflammation from anterior uveitis has subsided. The few cases that result in lasting damage to any portion of the eye are usually the most severe, longer-lasting cases of anterior uveitis that did not respond well to treatment initially. With treatment, most cases of anterior uveitis resolve in a few days to a week and will not have any further recurrences unless there is an underlying condition that is causing the inflammation.
Our eye doctor at The Optical Centre in Longmont, CO excels in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at 303-772-6650 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to learn more about anterior uveitis. Our eye doctor, Dr. Erica Whitmire provides the highest quality optometry