Uveitis in Greenbelt & Bowie, MD

Q: What is uveitis and what causes it?

A: Uveitis, also known as iritis, is inflammation in the uvea (middle layer of the eye), which can also affect the retina and vitreous. It can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), eye injuries, or sometimes no identifiable reason.

Q: What are the symptoms of uveitis?

A: Common symptoms include:

- Severe eye redness

- Eye pain (mild to severe)

- Blurry or hazy vision

- Sudden floaters

- Light sensitivity

Symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the type and severity of uveitis.

Q: What are the types of uveitis?

- Anterior uveitis: Inflammation in the front of the eye (iris, ciliary body), causing redness, pain, and light sensitivity.

- Intermediate uveitis: Affects the middle of the eye (vitreous) with symptoms like floaters and blurred vision.

- Posterior uveitis: Affects the back of the eye (retina, choroid), can lead to vision loss if untreated.

- Pan-uveitis: Affects the entire eye, also severe and can cause vision loss.

Q: What are the main causes of uveitis?

Uveitis can be caused by infections, eye injuries, cancer, or autoimmune/inflammatory diseases such as:

- Lupus

- Rheumatoid arthritis

- Multiple sclerosis

- Sarcoidosis

- Grave’s disease

- Lyme disease

Q: How is uveitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a thorough eye exam, pupil dilation, and possibly imaging tests like OCT or fluorescein angiography. Dr. Michelle Tarver will also consider your medical history, medications, and any previous symptoms to determine the cause and severity of the condition.

Q: How is uveitis treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and location of the uveitis. It may include:

- Steroid eye drops or injections

- Immunosuppressive medications

- Pain-reducing or dilation drops

If an underlying autoimmune condition is identified, Dr. Tarver will work with specialists to manage both the uveitis and the primary condition.

Q: What is the prognosis for uveitis?

If treated early, most patients recover without permanent damage. However, untreated uveitis can cause permanent vision loss and tissue damage, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

Q: What do patients say about Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons?

"I had a great experience. The staff was friendly, and the optometrist explained my test results clearly. Highly recommend!" – M.L. / Google

Michelle Tarver, M.D. specializes in diagnosing and treating ocular inflammation, including uveitis. She has the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to determine your proper treatment and ensure you get the quality care you need. If you believe you may have uveitis, we encourage you to schedule an examination with Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons right away.