SYMPATHETIC UVEITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Sympathetic uveitis, also referred to as sympathetic ophthalmia, is an uncommon but serious inflammatory condition that affects the eyes. It occurs as a result of an injury or inflammation in one eye, triggering an uncontrolled immune response that affects the other eye, causing inflammation and damage.
This condition typically arises within a few weeks to several months after the initial injury or inflammation. It is believed to be an autoimmune reaction, where the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues in the unaffected eye. The underlying mechanism behind sympathetic uveitis is not yet fully understood.
Sympathetic uveitis often presents with symptoms such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), eye redness, pain, and decreased visual acuity. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications like vision loss or even blindness.
Diagnosis of sympathetic uveitis relies on a thorough eye examination, including evaluating the affected and unaffected eye. It may also involve imaging tests to assess the extent of inflammation and damage.
The primary treatment for sympathetic uveitis involves controlling the inflammation using corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications. These medications work by suppressing the immune response and reducing the severity of the inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be required to drain the fluid from the affected eye (vitrectomy) or to remove the damaged tissues.
Regular and close monitoring by an ophthalmologist is essential to manage sympathetic uveitis effectively and prevent further complications. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in preserving and restoring vision.
Common Misspellings for SYMPATHETIC UVEITIS
- aympathetic uveitis
- zympathetic uveitis
- xympathetic uveitis
- dympathetic uveitis
- eympathetic uveitis
- wympathetic uveitis
- stmpathetic uveitis
- sgmpathetic uveitis
- shmpathetic uveitis
- sumpathetic uveitis
- s7mpathetic uveitis
- s6mpathetic uveitis
- synpathetic uveitis
- sykpathetic uveitis
- syjpathetic uveitis
- symoathetic uveitis
- symlathetic uveitis
- sym-athetic uveitis
- sym0athetic uveitis
- sympzthetic uveitis
Etymology of SYMPATHETIC UVEITIS
The word "uveitis" comes from the Latin "uvea", meaning the grape, and the Greek suffix "-itis", which denotes inflammation. Uvea refers to the middle layer of the eye that contains the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Uveitis, then, refers to the inflammation of this uveal tract.
The term "sympathetic" in "sympathetic uveitis" is used to describe an unusual reaction that can occur in the uninjured eye due to inflammation in the other eye. It arises from the concept that the unaffected eye sympathizes with or sympathetically responds to the injured eye. Hence, "sympathetic uveitis" refers to the inflammation of one eye due to an immune response triggered by inflammation in the other eye.
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