Uveitis

Unlike other organs in our bodies, the eye tends to be spared the ravages of attack by our immune system. The fascinating presence of this "immune privilege" is the subject of much scientific research into the understanding of our immune system in general.

Some patients, however, for reasons that are not always clear, lose the "immune privilege" of their eye and experience attack by their immune system against structures within the eye. This inflammatory attack against oneself is directed at such sensitive structures within the eye that pain and loss of vision may occur. In severe cases if the inflammation is not halted blindness may occur.

Uveitis is not a single disease, but rather can be triggered by a host of infections, autoimmune and malignant disorders. Prompt diagnosis and prompt treatment is critical in this challenging group of disorders.

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