長庚醫院眼科

What is uveitis?

yihshiou.hwang — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 03:51:19 +0000

Uveitis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that consists of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
Iritis, also known as anterior uveitis, is a specific type of uveitis that involves inflammation of the iris, the colored part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil.

Symptoms of uveitis, including iritis, may include:

Eye redness
Eye pain
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Blurred vision
Floaters (small moving spots in your field of vision)
Swelling around the eye
The exact cause of uveitis or iritis is often unclear but may be related to autoimmune disorders, infections, trauma, or exposure to toxins.
In some cases, it can be associated with systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or sarcoidosis.

Diagnosis of uveitis or iritis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, which may include a slit-lamp examination, ocular pressure measurement, and sometimes additional tests to rule out other potential causes or to identify underlying conditions.

Treatment for uveitis and iritis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. It often includes corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation, along with other medications to manage pain, dilate the pupil, or treat any underlying infection or systemic condition. In more severe cases, oral or injectable corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage inflammation. Treatment may also involve the use of immunosuppressive or biologic medications, especially if an autoimmune disorder is the underlying cause.

It is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan and attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider, as untreated uveitis or iritis can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, or even permanent vision loss.

In addition to medical treatment, some general self-care measures can help alleviate symptoms and support the healing process:

Protect your eyes from direct sunlight by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
Avoid eye strain by taking breaks when using a computer or other digital devices for extended periods.
Maintain good eye hygiene by washing your hands before touching your eyes and avoiding the use of eye makeup or contact lenses until the inflammation has resolved.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on the use of medications and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Remember that early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for preventing complications and preserving your vision. If you experience any symptoms of uveitis or iritis, it is important to consult an eye care professional promptly.

長庚醫院林口醫學中心眼科部部長葡萄膜炎/虹彩炎/視網膜科黃奕修教授執筆
醫學新知/最夯科技/訊息導正/連續照護/防盲責任
更多眼科資訊, 請見:
www.uveitis.tw / tois.tw / tus.tw 葡萄膜炎虹彩炎資訊網
www.dmeye.org 糖尿病眼病變資訊網
www.dreye.net 醫師的眼科醫師-眼科高端醫療資訊網
www.retina.tw 黃奕修醫師-視網膜病變資訊網

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Is uveitis/iritis contagenous?

yihshiou.hwang — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 03:04:47 +0000

Uveitis is not contagious.
It is an inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye, consisting of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
Uveitis can have various causes, including autoimmune diseases, infections, or trauma to the eye.
However, it is not caused by a virus or bacteria that can be spread from person to person, so it is not contagious.
If you suspect you have uveitis, it is essential to consult an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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Please describe the indication, caution, and side effect of methotrexate use in uveitis and iritis patients

yihshiou.hwang — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 02:46:52 +0000

Indications:
Methotrexate may be indicated for patients with uveitis and iritis in cases where the inflammation is non-infectious, chronic, or unresponsive to corticosteroid treatment.
Methotrexate can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent vision loss.

Contraindications:
Methotrexate is contraindicated in patients with:
Known hypersensitivity or allergy to methotrexate or its components.
Severe liver or kidney disease.
Pre-existing blood disorders, such as bone marrow suppression or severe anemia.
Active infections or immunodeficiency.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding, due to potential harm to the fetus or infant.

Cautions:
Methotrexate should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, including mild to moderate liver or kidney disease,
lung problems, or a history of blood disorders.
Patients taking methotrexate should have regular blood tests to monitor liver function, kidney function, and blood cell counts.
Methotrexate may also interact with other medications, so it’s important to discuss all medications being taken with a healthcare professional.

Side Effects:
Methotrexate can cause a range of side effects, which may include:
1. Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth sores.
2. Fatigue and dizziness.
3. Increased risk of infections due to its immunosuppressive properties.
4. Hair loss or thinning.
5. Headaches.
6. Skin rashes or sensitivity to sunlight.
7. Abnormal liver function tests, which may indicate liver damage.
8. Bone marrow suppression, which can lead to anemia, low white blood cell counts, and an increased risk of infections and bleeding.

While many patients experience mild side effects, some may experience more severe or life-threatening side effects.
It is essential to monitor side effects and communicate any concerns to a healthcare professional.
They may adjust the dosage or switch to an alternative medication if necessary.

Remember, this information is for general purposes only, and it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for
personalized advice on the use of methotrexate for uveitis and iritis patients.

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AI算出能活多久? 一張眼底圖透露全身潛在疾病

yihshiou.hwang — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 03:50:45 +0000

The post AI算出能活多久? 一張眼底圖透露全身潛在疾病 first appeared on 長庚醫院眼科.