Anatomy and Function of Uveal Tract
- The uveal tract is a pigmented, vascular layer of the eye comprising the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
- The iris regulates the amount of light entering the eye by controlling the size of the pupil.
- The ciliary body produces aqueous humor and is responsible for lens accommodation.
- The choroid supplies the retina with oxygen and nutrients.
Types of Uveitis
- Anterior Uveitis: Inflammation of the iris and ciliary body.
- Acute: Sudden onset, often related to injury or infection.
- Chronic: Prolonged inflammation, may be associated with autoimmune disorders.
- Posterior Uveitis: Inflammation of the choroid and retina.
- Chorioretinitis: Inflammation of the choroid and retina, often related to infection.
- Retinitis: Inflammation of the retina, may be associated with autoimmune disorders.
- Intermediate Uveitis: Inflammation of the vitreous and peripheral retina.
- Intermediate uveitis: Inflammation of the vitreous and peripheral retina, often related to autoimmune disorders.
Causes of Uveitis
- Infection: Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and sarcoidosis.
- Trauma: Physical injury to the eye.
- Tumors: Malignancies like melanoma or lymphoma.
Clinical Features
- Visual Disturbances: Blurred vision, loss of vision, or sensitivity to light.
- Redness and Pain: Eye redness, swelling, and pain.
- Conjunctival Discharge: Yellow or green discharge from the eye.
- Photophobia: Sensitivity to light.
Investigations
- Slit Lamp Examination: Visual examination of the anterior segment.
- Fundoscopy: Examination of the posterior segment.
- Ultrasound: Imaging of the eye and orbit.
- Blood Tests: To rule out underlying autoimmune disorders.
Complications
- Glaucoma: Increased intraocular pressure.
- Cataract: Clouding of the lens.
- Retinal Detachment: Separation of the retina from the underlying tissue.
- Vision Loss: Permanent loss of vision.
Management and Treatment
- Topical Steroids: To reduce inflammation.
- Systemic Steroids: To reduce inflammation in severe cases.
- Immunosuppressive Agents: To suppress the immune system.
- Antibiotics or Antivirals: To treat underlying infections.
Homoeopathic Management
- Arsenicum Album: For acute inflammation and pain.
- Causticum: For chronic inflammation and pain.
- Belladonna: For acute inflammation and photophobia.
- Euphrasia: For conjunctival discharge and photophobia.
- Hypericum: For eye trauma and neuralgia.
Important Key-Points
- Pathology: Inflammation of the uveal tract, often related to autoimmune disorders or infection.
- Types: Anterior, posterior, and intermediate uveitis.
- Clinical Features: Visual disturbances, redness and pain, conjunctival discharge, and photophobia.
- Investigations: Slit lamp examination, fundoscopy, ultrasound, and blood tests.
- Complications: Glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment, and vision loss.