Don't Underestimate Red Eyes, It Could Be A Symptom Of Uveitis That Ends In Blindness

Illustration of eye problems. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Redness in the eyes should not be taken lightly, because it can be a sign of uveitis. Uveitis is inflammation in the eyes, especially in the uvea area, namely the middle layer of the eye which includes slices, siliary bodies, and coroids.

Uveitis has the potential to attack all age groups, especially in the productive age group (20-60 years). In Indonesia, uveitis is triggered by the two most causes, namely systemic infection diseases such as tuberculosis and toxoplasma, as well as autoimmune.

But severely, a study published in the National Library of Medicine showed that 48-70 percent of uveitis cases were classified as idiopatic or the exact cause was unknown.

Uveitis is not just an ordinary eye inflammation. Many people drink experiencing early symptoms. Ignorance that makes patients often late in examining their eyes, said Ocular Infection and Immunology Sub-Specific Doctor, JEC Eye Hospitals and Clinic, Dr. Eka Octaviani Budiningtyas, during a press conference in the Menteng area, Jakarta, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

There are four types of uveitis, ranging from anterior or inflammation at the front of uvea, intermediate inflammation in the center of uvea, inflammatory posterior at the back of uvea, and inflammation panuvetis at the front and back of uvea.

Common uveitis symptoms are red eyes (including pain-accompanied), blurred or shadowy vision, appearance of floaters or tiny spots and shadows that appear to be floating, and photophobia or light-sensitive views.

If these symptoms appear and are not treated immediately, uveitis can develop into more serious eye problems. This condition can even cause permanent eye blindness.

"Without proper handling, uveitis can lead to more serious eye problems, such as cataracts, glaukuma, retinal damage, leading to permanent blindness. Early detection and immediate treatment are the most effective solutions to avoid further consequences," he explained.

Untuk penanganan uveitis dimulai dengan pemeriksaan ototalmologi lengkap menggunakan slit-lamp, disertai pencitraan mata, dan tes darah untuk mengidentifikasi atas penyebabkan. Serangkaian pemeriksaan mata terkait uveitis ini dapat dilakukan di JEC Eye Hospitals and Clinics.

As in the Mata JEC Menteng Hospital branch, the handling of the retina is centralized, including for uveitis through the JEC Retina Center equipped with a high-tech diagnostic examination, which will greatly assist the patient diagnosis and recovery process.

"As a national retinal reference center, Mata JEC Menteng Hospital seeks to realize JEC's great commitment in optimizing people's vision and quality of life. Through the JEC Retina Center, we provide retinal handling with a comprehensive approach that combines proven and supported medical expertise with advanced technology," concluded the President Director of Mata JEC Menteng Hospital, Dr. Referano Agustiawan, SpM(K).