Patient Education
Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that affects the uvea — the middle layer of the eye including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can also involve the retina and vitreous.
Typical Symptoms
- Eye redness
- Eye pain or aching
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Blurry vision
- Floaters
- Decreased vision
- In some cases, no symptoms — detected only on exam
How It's Diagnosed
Slit-Lamp Examination
The primary tool for evaluating inflammation in the front and middle of the eye — looking for inflammatory cells and protein in the eye's fluid.
Dilated Fundus Exam
Evaluates inflammation in the vitreous, retina, and choroid (posterior uveitis). Looks for signs of retinal vasculitis, choroiditis, or retinal detachment.
OCT
Detects macular swelling (cystoid macular edema) — one of the most common causes of vision loss in uveitis.
Laboratory Testing
Blood tests and imaging may be ordered to look for underlying systemic conditions (sarcoidosis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, infections, etc.).
Fluorescein Angiography
Identifies leaking retinal blood vessels and areas of inflammation in the retina and choroid.
How It Affects Vision
Vision impairment in uveitis can come from multiple sources: macular swelling, cataract (from inflammation or steroid treatment), elevated eye pressure, retinal scarring, or retinal detachment. With appropriate treatment, many patients maintain good vision, but recurrent or chronic uveitis increases the risk of lasting damage.
Treatment Options
Corticosteroid Eye Drops
The first-line treatment for anterior uveitis (inflammation at the front of the eye). Drops reduce inflammation and prevent complications.
Steroid Injections
Periocular or intravitreal steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the back of the eye for posterior or intermediate uveitis.
Steroid Implants
Long-acting steroid implants (such as Yutiq or Iluvien) can provide sustained inflammation control over months to years.
Systemic Medications
Oral steroids or immunosuppressive medications (methotrexate, mycophenolate, biologics) are used for severe, bilateral, or recurrent uveitis to control inflammation from within.
Treating the Underlying Cause
If uveitis is caused by an infection, specific antimicrobial medications are used. If an autoimmune cause is found, treatment is coordinated with rheumatology or other specialists.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, or significant redness in a patient with known uveitis should be evaluated promptly. Uveitis can cause a dangerous rise in eye pressure that requires urgent treatment.
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