Uveitis

It is always necessary to assess how advanced the condition is and the state of the patient before subjecting him or her to surgery, no matter how simple it may be. The cataract can lead to a state of temporary blindness that is reversed when the opaque lenses are removed.

a) Is There Any Way to Prevent the Development of Cataracts?

There is evidence that following some good habits can prevent and delay the onset of cataracts. Cigarettes and alcohol are directly related to their development, and their discontinuation decreases the possibility of this condition. Although there is no strong evidence, a diet rich in green vegetables with natural antioxidants has been shown to be beneficial for eye health in general and specifically for slowing down cataract formation. The use of sunglasses with adequate protection against ultraviolet rays makes it possible to reduce the exposure of the ocular components to solar radiation and to serve as a preventive tool. Finally, it is important not to use eye drops indiscriminately, as some are composed of corticosteroids that cause chronic and sustained cell damage, leading to lens damage.

b) Do I Have Any Other Treatment Options?

Since 2017 there has been evidence that antioxidant N-acetyl carnosine (NAC) drops can stop and even reverse the development of cataracts. Currently the scientific evidence is not solid, but there are testimonials from patients who have seen improvement with the application of this product. I do recommend it since some of my patients have seen improve of cataracts symptoms while using it.

Uveitis

Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, which is the structure formed by the iris, the ciliary bodies, the vitreous, and the choroid. These are chromatic formations between the deep layer formed by the retina and the superficial layer, which is the sclera. Uveitis is an emergency that must be treated when diagnosed since such inflammation can cause irreparable eye damage. As an inflammatory process, uveitis does not stop. Even though its evolution is slow in some cases, it continues to damage the tissues, causing serious visual impairment.

a) What Causes Uveitis?

It can occur as a symptom in patients with autoimmune diseases, even if their disease has no relation to the eyes.

Rhcastilhos and Jmarchn, CC BY-SA 3.0

For example, patients with ulcerative colitis are at risk of developing uveitis as an extra intestinal complication as well as those with rheumatoid arthritis. Also, serious infections of other organs, like tuberculosis and tumors, can be the trigger for this kind of inflammation.

b) Symptoms

Symptoms depend on which part of the uvea is affected. Thus, anterior uveitis, where there is inflammation of the iris, is characterized by red eye, a burning sensation, blurred vision, alteration of the shape of the pupil, and photophobia. In advanced cases, a membrane covering the iris and an opaque band running through it can be seen.

In Intermediate Uveitis, which involves mainly the vitreous, the patient reports observing black spots, called floaters, and blurred vision.

Jonathan Trobe, CC BY 3.0

Imrankabirhossain, Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0