Anterior Uveitis

You wake up and your eye is red, light feels like a spotlight in your face, and your vision is kind of blurry. You didn’t scratch it, and it doesn’t feel like pink eye. What’s going on?

You might have anterior uveitis, also called iritis, a type of eye inflammation that affects the front part of your eye.

What Is It?

Your eye has layers. The middle layer, called the uvea, helps provide blood flow to the eye. When the front part of that layer gets inflamed, it’s called anterior uveitis. Basically, your eye’s immune system is throwing a tantrum.

What Does It Feel Like?

• Red eye (but not the itchy, goopy kind).
• Eye pain or soreness, especially in bright light.
• Blurry vision.
• Maybe some floaters.

Why Does It Happen?

Sometimes it’s caused by an infection or trauma, but often your immune system just starts overreacting.  It can also be linked to autoimmune conditions (when your body attacks itself by mistake). It’s not contagious.

Should I Be Worried?

Yes, because if left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision damage. However,  it’s usually easy to treat with prescription eye drops. So, if your eye is red, painful, and sensitive to light, don't try to tough it out, make an appointment to have it checked.

Call (859) 787-0936 or visit our office, 2020 Eyemax, in Lexington, Kentucky to book an appointment today.