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Anterior Uveitis
Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which
includes the iris (colored part of the eye) and adjacent tissue, known as the
ciliary body. If untreated, it can cause permanent damage and loss of vision
from the development of glaucoma, cataract or retinal edema. It usually responds
well to treatment; however, there may be a tendency for the condition to recur.
Treatment usually includes prescription eye drops, which dilate the pupils, in
combination with anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment usually takes several days,
or up to several weeks, in some cases.
Anterior uveitis can occur as a result of trauma to the eye, such as a blow
or foreign body penetrating the eye. It can also be a complication of other eye
disease, or it may be associated with general health problems such as rheumatoid
arthritis, rubella and mumps. In most cases, there is no obvious underlying
cause.
Signs/symptoms may include a red, sore and inflamed eye, blurring of vision,
sensitivity to light and a small pupil. Since the symptoms of anterior uveitis
are similar to those of other eye diseases, your optometrist will carefully
examine the inside of your eye, under bright light and high magnification, to
determine the presence and severity of the condition. Your optometrist may also
perform or arrange for other diagnostic tests to help pinpoint the cause.
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