Doctor of Medicine, Level II Bui Viet Hung, Head of the Department of Vitreoretinal Diseases at the High-Tech Eye Center, Tam Anh Ha Noi General Hospital, stated that Huong's eye condition was a complication of prolonged uveitis. This is one of the most severe complications, potentially leading to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

The uvea is the middle layer of the eyeball, rich in blood vessels that nourish the eye's internal structures. When this layer becomes inflamed, the inflammatory response can spread to the retina, causing scarring or traction that detaches the retina from its underlying layer, impacting vision. In young individuals, the inflammatory response is often more pronounced, producing more exudate, which can easily lead to severe complications.

Doctors prescribed injectable and eye drop medications to control the inflammation before proceeding with surgery for retinal detachment. Over two hours, doctors performed a vitrectomy and injected intraocular gas to press the retina firmly against the underlying base. Post-surgery, Huong needed to lie on her side for many hours each day to maintain pressure from the gas bubble, helping the retina reattach better. "We must control the inflammation; otherwise, the retina could detach again even if the surgery is successful", Doctor Hung explained. After nearly three months of treatment and monitoring, Huong's left eye vision recovered, and the uveitis was controlled.

Doctor Hung performing vitrectomy on a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

According to Doctor Hung, uveitis is a complex condition that can recur multiple times due to infectious causes, immune disorders, systemic diseases like tuberculosis, arthritis, lupus, or viral infections. Common symptoms include red eyes, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, seeing flashes of light, or floaters. The disease progresses subtly, often mistaken for conjunctivitis or eye strain from studying or excessive phone use. Some individuals self-medicate with corticosteroid eye drops when their eyes are red or painful, which temporarily reduces the inflammatory response but allows bacteria to proliferate, worsening the condition.

As the disease progresses, patients may see distorted images or dark areas obstructing their vision – warning signs that the retina is detaching. If patients seek medical attention early, they might only require medical treatment without surgery. If any unusual eye symptoms appear, patients need to see a doctor. Early detection leads to much simpler and more effective treatment than when the retina has already detached.

Khue Lam