The chronic inflammation of the inside structures of the eye is a condition called chronic anterior uveitis. It may sometimes be referred to as moon blindness or periodic opthalmia. As opposed to acute uveitis, which typically would come quickly and would last for less than six (6) weeks, chronic uveitis is an inflammatory disease that would last longer than 6 weeks. It just shows that the rate of progression of these two diseases are slightly different with the chronic disease having a higher incidence of threatening complications on one’s vision such as cataract, macular edema and most of all glaucoma which might cause the irreversible visual loss of the patient.
Symptoms Of Chronic Uvetis
Chronic uveitis is classified not as a disease in itself but rather a classification of a disease which can be associated with other systemic conditions like Behcet’s disease, juvenile chronic arthritis and sarcoidosis. It can last from several months to several years or even a lifetime. Some symptoms would include swelling, pain which may be attributed to the pus in the anterior chamber of the eye, cloudiness in the cornea, or the contraction of the pupil. There are other patients who would also complain of a dull ache and the blurring of their vision.
Chronic Uvetis Diagnosis
Patients who have been diagnosed with chronic uveitis are usually performed with the following tests/examination:
- Chest X-Ray.
- Syphilis Serology.
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme.
The results from these tests will materially affect the long term care needed for the patient. It will also be the basis of the doctors to suggest the medical treatment that will be required for the condition. Some doctors would also perform a screening of the history of the patient along with the relevant examination on the patient.
Treatment For Chronic Uvetis
The aim of the treatment is to control the inflammation in the eyes and eventually prevent permanent visual loss. It also aims to minimize the long term complications of chronic uveitis.
If the uveitis is caused by specific infectious diseases such as syphilis, viral retinitis or Lyme disease, antimicrobial therapy and corticosteroids would be suggested.
If the uveitis is associated with non-infectious diseases, other treatment would be available such as the application of topical corticosteroid which will ensure that the pupil is relatively dilated to avoid cataract formation and intraocular pressure.
Periocular corticosteroid may likewise be administered safely to all age groups although younger children may need to be sedated or be under general anesthesia prior to its injection. However this is contraindicated to patients who have a history of glaucoma or those patients who have an elevated intraocular pressure.
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