Look on the bright side: a case study of uveitis

This article explores the contemporary approach to the care of patients with uveitis, an inflammation of the uvea or middle layer of the eye, including the etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, types, and contemporary treatment of this serious ophthalmic condition. Uveitis represents the third-leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Vision loss with this disease occurs usually as a result of very slow damage to the macula, which is the consequence of low-grade chronic inflammation. A case study involving a young man with uveitis is used to demonstrate the importance of treating active inflammation aggressively rather than waiting for a particular level of degradation. The role of the professional nurse is highlighted because the support, care, and education of this patient appear to be major components to his well being.