Services | Blepharitis

Blepharitis Treatment | Manhattan | New York City Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation Ã¢â‚¬â€œ a long-term swelling Ã¢â‚¬â€œ of the eyelids and eyelash follicles. It may be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, acne, bacterial infection, allergic reaction or poor eyelid hygiene. The eyelids crust, flake, scale or redden, and the smooth inside lining of the lids may become rough. In more serious cases, sores can form when the crusting skin is removed, the eyelashes may fall out, the eyelids can deform, the infection can spread to the cornea, and patients often suffer from excessive tearing.

Treatment and preventative care for blepharitis involves thorough but gentle cleaning of the eyelids, face and scalp. This may be combined with antibiotics if a bacterial infection is causing or contributing to the problems.

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Uveitis

Uveitis Treatment | Manhattan | New York City Uveitis is a general term that refers to inflammation or swelling of the eye's structures responsible for its blood supply. This condition can occur as an autoimmune disorder which causes the body to attack its own tissues or as a result of injury, infection, or exposure to toxins.

Uveitis is characterized by inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which is known as the uvea. The uvea is composed of three structures

The iris is the colored structure of the eye surrounding the pupil
The ciliary body is the muscle that supports the iris and focuses the lens
The choroid is the layer containing the eyeÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s blood vessels located between the inner retina and the white of the eye and it is called sclera

Signs and Symptoms;

The symptoms of uveitis depend on whether it is anterior, intermediate, posterior or diffuse, but generally they are;

Anterior

Light sensitivity
Blurred vision
Redness around the limbus
Pain that may range from aching or soreness to intense discomfort
Small pupil
Tearing
Elevated intraocular pressure

Intermediate

Often affects both eyes
Floaters
Blurred vision

Posterior

Blurred vision
Pain (if the optic nerve is involved)

Diffuse

Combination of symptoms from anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis

Treatment of Uveitis

Prompt treatment is necessary to minimize any loss of vision. Eye drops, especially steroids and pupil dilators, are medications used to reduce inflammation and pain.

For deeper inflammation, oral medication or injections may be necessary. Complications such as glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye), or new blood vessel formation (neovascularization), also may need treatment in the course of the disease. If complications are advanced, conventional or laser surgery may be necessary.

Uveitis in the front and middle part of the eye (iritis or cyclitis) is commonly more sudden in onset, generally lasting six to eight weeks, and in the early stages can usually be controlled by the frequent use of drops. Often, this type of uveitis cannot be given a specific cause.

Uveitis in the back part of the eye (choroiditis) is commonly slower in onset and may last longer, and is often more difficult to treat.