Uveitis, if not treated promptly, can cause major eye issues. The likelihood of experiencing these
issues increase if uveitis is long standing or in individuals older than 60 years of age.
The eye becomes inflamed because of the illness which can cause tissues to scar or break down
if not treated. Thus, resulting in impaired vision. It can also lead to other issues like cataract,
glaucoma, swollen retina and detached retina.
The clouding of the lens of the eye is known as cataract. It may result due to inflammation, as
well because of steroids, that are used to treat uveitis. Cataract may not be noticeable at
first. However, vision may gradually appear foggy or fuzzy, as if one is peering through a cloud.
Moreover, driving at night may be challenging due to decreased vision and glare.
The treatment for cataract is surgery. However, prior to cataract surgery, inflammation needs to
be under control. In addition, the use of steroids for the treatment of uveitis makes cataract
extraction challenging and expertise is required.
Glaucoma, another consequence of uveitis, results when the fluid inside the eye cannot flow out
resulting in increased intraocular pressure. This causes damage to the optic nerve which results in
decreased vision. The appearance of rings or haloes around lights may be a sign of glaucoma. As
glaucoma progresses one may notice patchy blind spots as well as tunnel vision. Increased eye
pressure is often accompanied with nausea, eye pain and headaches.
Often, glaucoma is not diagnosed until considerable damage to the optic nerve has occurred. Hence,
examination from an eye doctor is imperative to diagnose and receive prompt treatment to save
vision.
Steroid use can also increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma.
Additionally, swelling of the retina can result from inflammation inside the eye. Retina is the thin
tissue layer that surrounds the back of eye. It is packed with nerve cells and light-sensitive cells that
take in the sights around and transmit that data to the brain and optic nerve.
Swelling of the retina or cystoids macular edema, due to uveitis, can result in central vision loss
manifested by a central black spot in the field of vision. If left untreated that may result in permanent
loss of vision.
Retinal detachment, though not very common, is a serious complication of uveitis. It occurs as a
result of the retina getting detached from its normal position. Symptoms of retinal detachment may
be floaters, flashes of light or a curtain like shadow over the visual field. Retinal detachment needs
prompt medical attention in order to save vision.
At The Eye Center- Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates our team of eight ophthalmology
subspecialists/ eye specialists, eye surgeons who are considered amongst the very best eye
specialists in Karachi and in Pakistan, have the diagnostic and treatment capabilities to treat from
the simplest to the most complex patients. We work hard to provide our patients with the best
possible medical and surgical eye care, in a state of the art purpose built eye care facility. We
offer the entire array of medical, laser and surgical treatments to help provide patients the best
possible care in the most efficient, safe and ethical manner.
If you need an appointment, please contact us at 03041119544 during our working hours or leave
us a WhatsApp message at +923028291799 and someone will connect with you. Walk-in
appointments are also available for emergencies. We can also be reached through our web portal
on www.surgicaleyecenter.org