Other Conditions

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Other Eye Conditions

At North Carolina Retina Associates, we provide comprehensive care for a full range of retinal and ocular conditions, including uveitis and lattice degeneration.

Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the middle part of the eye, which is known as the uvea. The uvea includes the choroid blood vessels, ciliary body, and iris (i.e. the pigmented part of your eye that controls how much light enters into the pupil). Uveitis can also refer to when inflammation occurs in the vitreous gel, retina, and optic nerve.

Uveitis can be caused by a wide range of factors, including underlying diseases, infection, and toxins. They commonly occur as secondary conditions to systemic autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Types of Uveitis

There are four types of uveitis, which are defined by where specifically in the eye the inflammation is occurring.

• Anterior uveitis: inflammation of the ciliary body and/or iris
• Intermediate uveitis: inflammation of the vitreous
• Posterior uveitis: inflammation of the retina and choroid
• Pan-uveitis: a severe form of eye inflammation that affects the entire eye

Symptoms of Uveitis

Uveitis symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the condition, but typically include:

• Eye redness
• Blurred vision
• Eye discomfort or pain
• Floaters
• Light sensitivity
• Vision loss, especially in the cases of posterior and pan-uveitis

Uveitis can lead to permanent vision issues, including vision loss, if left untreated. However, when detected and treated early on, patients have a good chance of preserving their vision.

Treatment for Uveitis

Uveitis is commonly treated using steroid eye drops. Steroids help to curtail both inflammation and pain. In some cases, steroid injections may be recommended.

Lattice Degeneration

Lattice degeneration is a common condition characterized by abnormal erosion of the peripheral retina and damaged blood vessels, causing legions to appear on the outer edges of the retina. The appearance of these legions resembles a lattice pattern, which is where the condition gets its name.

Lattice degeneration is typically not serious, causing no noticeable symptoms. In many cases, there may be no treatment necessary. However, lattice degeneration can sometimes indicate a general weakness in the retinal tissues, making them more likely to suffer from a more severe condition, such as retinal detachment.