Vitritis
Inflammation of the clear gel inside the eye
Quick Facts
- Type: Eye (inflammatory) condition
- Affected part: Vitreous gel
- Common symptoms: Floaters, blurred vision
- Often linked to: Uveitis and infection
Overview
Vitritis is inflammation involving the vitreous, the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the large space inside the eye between the lens and the retina. When the vitreous becomes inflamed, inflammatory cells and debris cloud this normally transparent gel, which can scatter light and interfere with vision.
Vitritis is often part of a broader inflammation inside the eye, and it is closely related to uveitis, inflammation of the eye's middle layer. It can result from infection, immune-related disease, or other eye problems. Because the underlying causes range from minor to serious, vitritis should be evaluated by an eye specialist to protect vision.
Symptoms
Symptoms come from the cloudy gel interfering with light reaching the retina. They may develop gradually or more quickly and include:
- New or increased floaters, seen as spots, threads, or cobwebs
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Reduced clarity or dimming of vision
- Sensitivity to light in some cases
- Eye redness or discomfort if other parts of the eye are inflamed
A sudden shower of floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain or shadow over part of the vision can signal a retinal problem and needs urgent eye care.
Causes
Vitritis is a sign of inflammation inside the eye, which can have several causes:
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the eye's middle layer that extends to the vitreous.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections inside the eye, including after surgery or injury.
- Immune-related conditions: Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting the eye.
- Other eye conditions: Inflammation related to retinal problems or, rarely, certain eye tumors.
Identifying the cause is essential because treatment differs greatly between infection and immune-related inflammation.
Risk Factors
- A history of uveitis or other eye inflammation
- Autoimmune or inflammatory diseases
- Recent eye surgery or eye injury
- Conditions that weaken the immune system
- Certain infections
Diagnosis
An eye specialist diagnoses vitritis through a detailed eye examination and tests to find the cause:
- Dilated eye exam: Examining the vitreous and retina, often grading the amount of inflammation.
- Imaging: Tests such as optical coherence tomography or ultrasound to assess the retina and vitreous.
- Blood tests: To look for underlying infections or immune conditions.
- Sampling the eye fluid: Occasionally needed to identify an infection.
Treatment
Treatment targets the underlying cause and aims to reduce inflammation and protect vision. It is directed by an eye specialist.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines: Corticosteroid eye drops, injections, or oral medicines for non-infectious inflammation.
- Treating infection: Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medicines if an infection is found.
- Immune-modifying drugs: For inflammation linked to autoimmune disease.
- Treating related conditions: Managing any associated retinal or systemic disease.
Close follow-up is important, as untreated or recurrent inflammation can threaten vision.
When to See a Doctor
See an eye specialist promptly for new or increasing floaters, blurred vision, or eye discomfort, especially if you have a history of eye inflammation. Seek urgent eye care if you have:
- A sudden shower of many new floaters
- Flashes of light
- A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision
- Sudden loss of vision or severe eye pain
These can indicate a retinal problem or serious infection that needs immediate attention to protect sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vitritis?
Vitritis is inflammation of the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. Inflammatory cells cloud the normally transparent gel, which can cause floaters and blurred vision. It is often part of broader inflammation inside the eye.
What causes vitritis?
It can be caused by uveitis, infections inside the eye, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, and certain other eye conditions. Finding the specific cause is important because treatment for infection differs greatly from treatment for immune-related inflammation.
Is vitritis serious?
It can be, depending on the cause. Some causes are mild and treatable, while others, such as infection inside the eye, can threaten vision. Prompt evaluation by an eye specialist is important to protect sight.
How is vitritis treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and may include anti-inflammatory medicines such as corticosteroids for non-infectious inflammation, or antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals for infection. Close follow-up helps prevent vision loss.
When should I seek urgent eye care?
Seek urgent care for a sudden shower of floaters, flashes of light, a dark curtain across your vision, sudden vision loss, or severe eye pain. These can signal a retinal problem or serious infection that needs immediate attention.
References
- National Eye Institute (NEI). Uveitis.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Uveitis.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Uveitis.
- Mayo Clinic. Uveitis.