Uveitis
Todd J Bragin, MD, FACS, PC
Ophthalmologist located in Lynbrook, NY
If you’ve suddenly developed red, bloodshot eyes and have eye pain or blurred vision, you may have uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition. Todd Bragin, MD, PC, a board-certified ophthalmologist practicing in Lynbrook, New York, offers expert diagnosis and treatments or uveitis to reduce your symptoms and protect your vision. Call Dr. Bragin, or schedule an appointment online today.
Uveitis Q & A
What is uveitis?
Uveitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the middle part of your eye, which includes your iris, ciliary body, and choroid. There are four types of uveitis, which are classified by where your inflammation is located, including:
- Anterior uveitis — iris and ciliary body
- Intermediate uveitis — ciliary body
- Posterior uveitis — choroid
- Diffuse uveitis — all parts of your middle eye
Uveitis makes your eyes red and causes pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. You may also notice floaters in your vision. In most cases, uveitis comes on suddenly, although it is possible for the condition to develop gradually.
What causes uveitis?
In many cases, the cause of uveitis isn’t easily determined. However, some of the common reasons you might develop uveitis include:
- Eye injuries
- Eye surgery
- An infection such as herpes zoster or Lyme disease
- An inflammatory disorder such as Crohn’s disease
- An autoimmune disorder
- Cancer
When left untreated, uveitis can contribute to eye diseases and conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and optic nerve damage. In a worst-case scenario, untreated uveitis can lead to permanent vision loss.
When should I see a doctor about uveitis?
You should always seek medical treatment for eye problems to reduce your risk of permanent vision loss. If you develop uveitis symptoms, suddenly or gradually, make an appointment with Dr. Bragin. Eye health conditions, like general health problems, are usually treated more easily when diagnosed in their early stages.
How is uveitis treated?
Dr. Bragin offers expert, customized treatments for uveitis and when necessary works with other ophthalmologists to provide the best possible care. He begins treatment with a comprehensive eye exam, which may include additional tests to analyze fluid from your eye, the thickness of your retinal tissue, and the blood flow in your retinas.
Once Dr. Bragin diagnoses your condition and what’s causing it, he provides customized treatment to reduce your symptoms, restore your eye health, and protect your vision. Your treatment may include:
- Medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation and eye pressure
- Oral steroid medicines
- Immunosuppressant therapy
In severe cases, you may need surgery, such as a vitrectomy, to remove some of the vitreous in your eye. Dr. Bragin may also recommend a surgically implanted device in your eye that slowly releases corticosteroids to control swelling.
If you’re concerned about uveitis, call Dr. Bragin, or make an appointment online today.