Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can uveitis be corrected with the use of glasses?

No, uveitis cannot be corrected with the use of glasses. Uveitis is an ocular inflammatory disease, it is not a refractive problem. Refractive errors include: myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, etc. These can be resolved with the help of an optometrist.

Is uveitis hereditary?

No, uveitis is not a hereditary disease. However, some genetic factors that may predispose development of uveitis, or any other associated systemic autoimmune disease, may be inherited. These factors do not play a determining role in the development of the disease, but are usually correlational.

Is uveitis a transmissible or contagious disease?

No, uveitis is not a communicable or contagious disease. However, some of the infectious systemic diseases associated with uveitis may be communicable or contagious. For example, if uveitis is caused by an infectious disease such as syphilis, tuberculosis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), these can be transmitted to others. However, this does not guarantee the development of uveitis. In other words, uveitis alone is NOT a communicable or contagious disease; but if an infectious disease is involved, this other disease may be communicable.

Will I lose my vision because of uveitis?

Not necessarily. The visual prognosis of uveitis cases is multifactorial; in other words, it depends on many factors. Among them are: its cause, how soon it is diagnosed, how well it is managed, the patient's age, the effectiveness of the treatment, the severity of the symptoms and the occurrence of complications. The prognosis in most cases is not determined by the diagnosis of the disease, but by its course. Because inflammation can cause damage to the tissues of the eyes, recurrences of uveitis episodes can lead to a gradual decrease or loss of vision. For this reason, it is very important to diagnose it early and prevent future recurrences. Generally, vision is significantly impaired during active episodes of uveitis, especially when the intermediate or posterior segment is affected. This often results in a kind of "temporary blindness" that prevents patients from continuing their daily activities. With proper treatment, the inflammation subsides and vision returns. However, due to the delicacy of the ocular tissues, the inflammation can leave permanent sequelae that significantly diminish vision. According to the degree of decrease or loss of vision, it can be classified as: low vision, legal blindness or total blindness. Under proper treatment, uveitis can be controlled without being detrimental to patients' quality of life. Vision can be preserved through rigorous medical care.

It should be noted that the following causes of uveitis are associated with an aggressive course that may result in significant decrease or loss of vision:

1. Multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis (MCP)

2. Birdshot retinochoroidopathy or Birdshot retinochoroidopathy

3. Serpiginous choroiditis

4. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome

5. Behçet's disease

Is conjunctivitis a type of uveitis?

No, conjunctivitis is not a type of uveitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory eye disease affecting the conjunctiva. It is usually infectious and contagious. Common symptoms associated with it are: redness, gritty sensation in the eyes, itching and discharge.

Can uveitis cause another disease in the body?

No, uveitis cannot cause another body (systemic) disease. In fact, the opposite can occur: a systemic disease ma cause uveitis.y

Is uveitis caused by prolonged use of electronic devices, such as a smartphone, television, computer or video games?

No, uveitis is not caused by prolonged viewing of electronic device screens.

Can uveitis cause headaches?

Cases of uveitis that also include increased intraocular pressure may also cause the following symptoms: headaches, facial pain, sensitivity to light, vomiting, among others. Although these symptoms are not directly associated with ocular inflammation, it is not uncommon that they are also present during episodes of uveitis.

Is uveitis caused by wearing contact lenses?

Uveitis is only caused by contact lenses if there is a direct causal relationship. That is, only when uveitis is directly induced by contact lens wear. Contact lens wear is not associated with uveitis. However, some patients report that their symptoms arise after wearing contact lenses.

Can I wear contact lenses?

The proper use of contact lenses is a safe alternative in most cases, provided they are used correctly. However, the use of contact lenses in uveitis patients is not recommended. It is best not to add any factors that could potentially irritate an eye that is already suffering from inflammation. However, this question should be discussed with your doctor to receive an

individualized answer that best suits the patient's needs.