Uveitis is a medical term that describes inflammation of the eye and is often referred to as "arthritis of the eye." The ocular condition is often diagnosed in younger individuals and any severity or damage to your vision is determined by where in the eye the inflammation is located.
Description
Uveitis involves the layers of the eye situated between the sclera, or the white part of the eyeball, and the retina, located in the rear portion of the eyeball. Uveitis may occur in the front, middle or rear of the eye, termed anterior uveitis or intermediate or posterior uveitis, respectively. The uvea is filled with blood vessels and nerves and also contain the iris and the ciliary and choroid bodies. Any type of swelling in these eye components is called uveitis.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of uveitis include redness in the eye, associated with eye pain. Because of this eye pain, it's important to speak to your doctor about the benefits or drawbacks of eye exercises, depending on your individual condition, diagnosis and prognosis. Other symptoms may include a sensitivity to light, decreased vision or spots or cloudy areas in your field of vision. The symptoms of uveitis will depend on where in the eye the swelling or inflammation is located.
Exercise
Exercises that relieve stress and strain on the eye may help relieve pain and reduce the severity of the condition, but talk to your doctor or ophthalmologist before self-diagnosing or exercising the eyes if you have been diagnosed with any form of uveitis. Cupping the eyes with the palms of the hands is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and eyestrain. Exercises that keep the tendons and muscles of the eye toned may also help. Focus your eyes on a stationary object ahead of you and then turn your head slowly to the right and left several times. Distance-focusing eye exercises may also help keep muscles toned.
Treatment
Treatment for uveitis range from medications to surgery, depending on severity of the condition and where the inflammation is located. Surgery may remove some of the fluid from inside the eyeball, which may help your doctor determine the cause of the condition. Medications offered in the form of eye drops may help clear infections, but in some cases, a capsular device may be implanted into the eye to direct medication for a certain period of time.
Cautions
Always talk to your doctor before engaging in any eye exercises if you're feeling any vision disturbances or pain in the eyes.
