Uveitis

Pathophysiology
Uveitis is basically an internal inflammation of the eye. The condition involves the middle layers of the eye, also called the uveal tract or uvea. The uvea includes the iris (colored part of the eye), choroid (a thin membrane containing many blood vessels), and the ciliary body (the part of the eye that joins these together).

Statistics
Uveitis mainly occurs in the 20-50 year age group, and can affect one or both eyes. The incidence of uveitis varies from 14 to 52.4/100,000 with the overall prevalence around the world is up to 0.73%.

Disease Treatment
Uveitis treatments primarily try to eliminate inflammation, alleviate pain, prevent further tissue damage, and restore any loss of vision. Treatments depend on the type of uveitis a patient displays. Some, such as using corticosteroid eye drops and injections around the eye or inside the eye, may exclusively target the eye.

Major Research
Diagnosed in approximately 38,000 Americans a year, uveitis causes swelling and irritation of the middle layer of the eye and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.