Uveitis Specialist
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Amirikia Eye Center
Optometry & Ophthalmology & Retina Specialist located in Pontiac, MI
Uveitis is a severe medical condition that can damage the tissues of your eyes, eventually leading to permanent vision loss. At Amirikia Eye Center, Dr. Arezo Amirikia specializes in treating challenging diseases of the eye. Many men and women from in and around Pontiac, Michigan turn to her for treatment of uveitis and other severe eye disorders. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online scheduling option.
Uveitis Q & A
What is uveitis?
Uveitis isn’t a single eye condition, but a group of inflammatory issues that lead to swelling and destruction of your uvea, which is the middle layer of eye tissue. Some of these diseases can lead to complete blindness, while others only facilitate mild vision impairment.
Scientists categorize uveitis into three types, based on which portion of your uvea is affected.
Anterior uveitis
Anterior uveitis refers to swelling in the front portion of your eye that occurs suddenly. It either persists for up to eight weeks or clears up immediately.
Intermediate uveitis
Intermediate uveitis causes swelling in the middle portion of your eye. It can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years and can cycle through periods of greater or lesser intensity.
Posterior uveitis
Posterior uveitis is swelling in the back of your eye, with symptoms that often develop slowly and continue for years.
How is uveitis diagnosed?
When you visit Dr. Amirikia for an eye exam, she records a thorough health history and asks about your symptoms and concerns. After a comprehensive eye exam, she may recommend specific tests to learn more about your eye health.
Diagnosing uveitis involves eliminating other factors that could lead to swelling, including infection or an autoimmune disorder. Dr. Amirikia may also use a funduscopic exam, ocular pressure testing, or a slit lamp exam to search for signs of uveitis.
Common symptoms include:
- Eye pain
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Floating spots of darkness in your vision
What are treatment options for uveitis?
Treatment efforts address the inflammation that characterizes uveitis. Reducing inflammation can help relieve pain, prevent additional tissue damage, and restore lost vision.
Depending on the type of uveitis you have, Dr. Amirikia might use corticosteroid drops or injections in or around your eyes.
Certain prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications can also provide relief. Because long-term steroid use is known to cause numerous severe side effects, Dr. Amirikia takes a conservative approach to using these medications to treat uveitis.
Delivering targeted, precise injections directly into the eye is one of Dr. Amirikia’s areas of expertise. Her extensive training and knowledge in such procedures is one reason why so many people entrust her with their eye care, and that of their family members.
If you’re experiencing eye pain or vision issues, schedule a consultation at Amirikia Eye Center today!
