Uveitis
Definition
An inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea)
Clinical manifestations
Redness
Pain
Light sensitivity
Blurred vision
Dark floating spot in the field of vision
Causes
Eye injury or surgery
An autoimmune disorder such as sarcoidosis or ankylosing spondylitis.
An inflammatory disorder such as chrohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
An infection such as cat stratch disease, herpes zoster, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, Lyme disease.
Diagnostic studies
An eye chart or visual acuity test
A funduscope exam
A slit lamp exam
Treatment
Eye drops in combination with anti- inflammatory medication.
Ocular anti- inflammatory injections- injections may be to the outside or inside the eye.
Systemic or oral administration of steroids, other immunosuppressant or anti metabolite drugs.
Pathophysiology
The mechanism for trauma is believed to be a combination of microbial contamination and accumulation of necrotic product at the site of injury thereby stimulating proinflammatory processes.
For infectious etiologies of uveitis, it is postulated that the immune reaction directed against foreign molecules or antigen may injure the uveal tract vessels and cells.
However genetic, traumatic, or infectious mechanisms are known to promote or trigger uveitis.
When uveitis is found in association with autoimmune disorders, the mechanism may be a hypersensitivity reaction involving immune complex deposition within the viral tract.
The etiology of uteitis is often idiopathic
Nursing management
Pre-operative
Post-operative
Usually preoperative care for ambulatory surgery
Dilating eye drops or other medication as ordered
Patient teaching
Provide written and verbal instruction.
Instruct the patient to call a physician immediately if vision changes; continuous flashing light appear, redness, swelling or pain increase, type and amount of drainage increase or significant pain is not relieved by acetaminophen.
Ocular pressure test