Glaucoma and Uveitis
Production and drainage of fluid inside the eye keeps the eye at a particular pressure and shape. The circulation and drainage of this fluid can be disturbed by inflammation inside the eye. If the pressure slowly increases over a long period of time it can cause painless damage to vision. This condition is called chronic glaucoma.
Diagosis
Measuring the pressure inside the eye is a routine part of an eye examination and will be performed at most visits. For this reason glaucoma is usually detected early in patients with uveitis before it has caused significant damage.
Prevention
In uveitis, the inflammation and scarring caused by the uveitis is the usual cause of glaucoma. Keeping the inflammation down to a minimum is therefore a priority and severe inflammation must be treated vigorously with either eye drops or other treatments.
Uveitis has a particular tendency to cause the iris (coloured part of the eye) to stick to the lens behind it.
Treatment
Treatment includes eye drops which work by reducing the amount of fluid being made by the eye and are used mostly twice a day. Tablets may be needed to help control the eye pressure. Common side effects are tingling fingers, tiredness and loss of appetite. Its use is usually temporary. In some circumstances laser treatment is the best method to control the pressure but is only undertaken if medical treatment is not adequate. If pressure control is poor, surgery may be advised.
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| B08000603 |
