Recurrent Uveitis: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Uveitis is defined as intra-ocular (eye) inflammation. Ophthalmologists may refer patients with uveitis to a rheumatologist to understand if there is a connection between the inflammatory eye disease and another, rheumatic disease. Rheumatic diseases are often systemic, immune mediated diseases, which means that they may affect more than one organ system.

In the following article, we will explain the symptoms and causes of uveitis, how it is diagnosed and traced to rheumatic diseases, and how it may be treated by a rheumatologist.

What Causes Uveitis?

Blurred vision, eye pain, redness and light sensitivity can be signs of uveitis. While this condition may be caused by infections, certain medications or injuries, it may also be the result of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. Examples of these diseases include Spondyloarthropathies: psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, vasculitis and sarcoidosis.

Diagnosing Uveitis

Since vision loss may occur if uveitis is left untreated, it is imperative to properly diagnose and treat this condition as soon as possible. A collaborative approach between an ophthalmologist and other specialists such as a rheumatologist is important if an autoimmune cause is suspected.

If a patient has had a recent injury or was treated for an infection, the ophthalmologist may require additional testing or consultation with the patient’s primary care physician. However, if the patient has other systemic signs such as joint pain/swelling, muscle/bone pain or rash; or if they already have a known underlying rheumatic disease, the ophthalmologist may refer the patient to a rheumatologist or consult with the patient’s current rheumatologist in order to work together to treat the condition.

How To Treat Uveitis

If uveitis is diagnosed, treatment must quickly begin to prevent any vision impairment or loss. While steroid eye drops designed to stop inflammation are typically the first step in uveitis treatment, additional steps such as immunosuppressant medications may be necessary if the uveitis is severe, recurrent or is in association with a rheumatic disease. A rheumatologist may be able to help guide the medication choices in these cases.

Patients with uveitis or a history of uveitis who develop musculoskeletal symptoms such as joint pain/swelling, rash or other systemic features, should contact a rheumatologist for an assessment to see if they have an underlying autoimmune/inflammatory disease. This is important since in some cases, uveitis may be the first symptom

For patients with existing autoimmune or inflammatory conditions who are diagnosed with uveitis, the rheumatologist may check certain blood tests to measure inflammation such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or c-reactive protein (CRP). If the rheumatologist sees a pattern of increased inflammation and/or recurrent uveitis, the treatment plan may need to be adjusted.

Although uveitis is a serious condition, it can be treated effectively when detected early. Uveitis can occur alone, or in association with infections, certain medications and systemic immune-mediated diseases- the latter which is often the reason rheumatologists are involved in the care of these patients.

Contact Magnolia Rheumatology in Westchester County, NY for uveitis treatment today.