What's Causing Your Recurrent Uveitis?
A bout of uveitis is not fun. Between the redness, blurry vision, and eye pain, uveitis can interfere with your ability to enjoy everyday life, often requiring that you take time off from work. Once you receive treatment and the symptoms subside, you're usually in the clear. But if uveitis keeps coming back again and again, it's time to do more than just address the uveitis. It's time to figure out the underlying cause of your recurrent condition. If you're able to treat that cause, you may be able to prevent future bouts of uveitis. Here's a look at common causes of this condition.
Autoimmune Conditions
Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye wall, which is known as a uvea. This inflammation is sometimes caused by a malfunctioning immune system that attacks the cells of the uvea. Usually, this immune system malfunction is a part of a more generalized autoimmune condition such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. If you've been diagnosed with one of these conditions in the past, your frequent bout of uveitis may be a sign that your disease is not as well controlled as it should be. Speak with your doctor about adjusting your medications and making other changes to keep your symptoms better controlled. If you have not been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, make an appointment with your doctor for testing – especially if you have a family history of these conditions.
An Ongoing Infection
Some serious infections, including Lyme disease and West Nile virus, can cause recurrent uveitis. If you have the following symptoms, talk to your doctor about the possibility of Lyme disease:
- Profound muscle stiffness
- An overall lack of energy
- Mental fog or frequent confusion
If you live in an area where mosquitoes are common, there's a chance you may have contracted West Nile virus. Not every case has other serious symptoms; many people feel like they have a flu, though other symptoms like the uveitis can drag on for a few months after the main illness. Look for these symptoms that may indicate West Nile:
- Headache
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Fatigue and weakness
Tumors
If you've ruled out autoimmune conditions and infections, talk to your eye doctor about the possibility of a tumor being present in your eye. A tumor on or near the uvea could be causing tissue irritation, leading to your recurrent bouts of uveitis. An eye doctor like Cripe Stephens & Stickel should be able to tell whether you have a tumor by doing a brief examination of your eye with a microscope-like tool.
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