Get to know red eye (uveitis)

Inflammation of the inner layers of the eye is called uveitis. The eye can appear as pictured in the photo below.

People of all ages from children to seniors can suffer from this condition. Most patients with inflammation in the eye complain of redness, pain, and sensitivity to light. When someone has red eyes, they can try to use Visine® or another over the counter product “to get the red out,” but if that does not help after two to three days or if they have pain and light sensitivity, the patient should see an eye professional.

Overall, it’s the pain and light sensitivity that should really alert an individual that they need to seek help from a uveitis specialist.
There are many possible causes for uveitis including autoimmune disease, infection and trauma.

However, unlike Pink Eye that is an inflammation of the surface of the eye and can be passed easily, uveitis is not contagious and thus cannot be prevented.

The diagnosis and management of patients with uveitis requires a detailed medical history, focused diagnostic testing and frequently, imaging of the eye. A uveitis specialist should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment, but follow-up care can be completed through a local eye care specialist.

Fortunately, the Uveitis Center at UofL Physicians-Eye Specialists has internationally recognized expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of uveitis. Please call 502-588-0550 to make an appointment with Drs. Henry Kaplan, Rahul Bhola or Aparna Ramasubramanian.

Close Up Image of Red Eye (Uveitis)

 

 

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Article by: Henry Kaplan, M.D.

Dr. Henry J. Kaplan is a board-certified ophthalmologist at UofL Physicians – Eye Specialists. He is also Department Chair and professor at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology. He received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and his medical degree from Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, American Uveitis Society, Macula Society, Retina Society, American Society of Retina Specialists, and Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Dr. Kaplan’s areas of interest include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, hereditary retinal disease, retinal detachment, and macular hole and macular pucker.

All posts by Henry Kaplan, M.D.
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