Iritis may be a sign of health problems that should not be overlooked

Mettapracharak Hospital (Wat Rai Khing), Department of Medical Services, advises! If uveitis occurs, which is inflammation of the uvea (Iris, Ciliary body, Choroid), the most common symptoms are worsening vision, which may be accompanied by severe eye pain or light sensitivity. In this disease, the retina may suddenly lose function without warning, which is a dangerous condition that requires proper and timely treatment. It should not be ignored because serious complications may follow. If recognized early and treated promptly, uveitis can be managed. Uveitis can arise from a variety of causes, including infections, immune system dysfunction and autoimmune diseases, as well as the rare group of cancers inside the eye. Causes of uveitis that can be identified include infections such as viral, bacterial, tuberculosis, protozoal, fungal, and parasitic infections; immune dysfunction and autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Behcet disease, Sarcoidosis, Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease; genetic diseases such as those associated with the HLA-27 gene; as well as lymphoma, leukemia, and cancers that have spread from other organs. However, in about half of patients with uveitis, even after additional laboratory testing, no clear cause of the uveitis is found. Complications that can occur from uveitis include glaucoma, cataracts, retinal diseases, etc. Initial treatment generally aims to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to the tissues inside the eye. Medications used include steroids, antibiotics or antiviral drugs to control infection. Immunosuppressive drugs may be necessary in severe cases of uveitis and can help prevent recurrence. Patients should keep their appointments with an ophthalmologist for close monitoring of symptoms and assessment of inflammation, as well as surveillance for possible side effects of the disease and the medications used for treatment, such as cataracts or elevated eye pressure. If the patient's symptoms worsen, they should promptly see an ophthalmologist.