What Causes And Increases The Risk Of Uveitis?

Infection

Infections, which allow bacteria and other harmful substances to take hold of the area and negatively impact functioning, are one of the main causes of uveitis. Several are known to lead to uveitis, especially if left untreated. Toxoplasmosis, caused by a parasite, is one such complication. Herpes, varicella-zoster (the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles), and even the sexually transmitted diseases HIV and syphilis have also been associated with uveitis. Sometimes, these viruses and bacterial build-up do not immediately cause symptoms linked to uveitis, so it's important to start treatment before the condition progresses. Any infection, regardless of where in the body it occurs, warrants treatment to prevent the development of complications.

Continue to learn more about another cause of uveitis.

Eye Cancer

Some types of eye cancer have also been shown to cause uveitis, though these occurrences are certainly rarer than the conditions mentioned above. Lymphoma, a blood cancer, is one such example. It is rare, though possible. Lymphoma originates in the cells of the immune system, which are meant to fight illness and protect the body's systems. In cases of lymphoma, these cells change and act out. It is a very treatable disease, but non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in particular, has been shown to commonly spread to the eyes. When this occurs, it is referred to as ocular lymphoma. Uveitis is one of the more common co-occurrences with ocular lymphoma, but a biopsy must be done to verify cancer's presence.

Continue for the next common cause of uveitis.