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Uveitis: Causes, Types, Diagnosis and Symptoms

Causes of Uveitis and How Is It Diagnosed?

The exact cause of uveitis is unknown. You don’t have to be unhealthy to have the condition. In fact, studies show that the condition is more common in healthy people. In some cases, it can be related with another sickness like autoimmune disorder or an infection from an infection or virus.

An autoimmune condition occurs when your immune system attacks itself or a certain part of your body. According to studies, autoimmune conditions that can lead to uveitis include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Arthritis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Kawasaki disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Sarcoidosis

Uveitis can also be caused by infections. Infections that can cause the condition include AIDS, herpes, CMV retinitis, west Nile virus, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis and histoplasmosis.

Uveitis can also be caused by exposure to a toxin that penetrates the eye, bruising, injury and trauma.

Uveitis is detected via eye examination. Your eye doctor or surgeon, also known as an ophthalmologist will examine your eye and check your family history. Checking family history is very important because people with a history are more susceptible to the condition.

Your eye surgeon may also recommend laboratory tests to rule out an infection or autoimmune disorder. If your condition seems severe or you have an underlying condition, your doctor may refer you to another specialist for proper attention.