Uveitis

What is uveitis?

Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that affects the uvea, the middle layer of the eye which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can cause symptoms such as eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and floaters, and may develop suddenly or gradually. Uveitis can be linked to autoimmune conditions, infections, or injury, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent long-term damage to vision.

What are the different types of uveitis?

Uveitis is classified based on which part of the eye is inflamed, and understanding the type helps guide treatment.

Anterior uveitis affects the front part of the eye, mainly the iris, and is the most common type. It often causes redness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision and may develop suddenly.

Intermediate uveitis involves the middle part of the eye, particularly the vitreous, and commonly causes floaters and blurred vision with little redness or pain.

Posterior uveitis affects the back of the eye, including the retina and choroid, and can lead to reduced vision, distortion, or blind spots.

Panuveitis occurs when inflammation involves all parts of the eye and can cause a combination of symptoms from the above types. Prompt assessment and treatment are important for all forms to reduce the risk of vision loss.

What are the risk factors for uveitis?

Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis
Infections, including viral (herpes simplex, herpes zoster), bacterial (tuberculosis, syphilis), and parasitic (toxoplasmosis) causes
Previous eye injury or eye surgery, which can trigger inflammation
Systemic illnesses that affect the immune system
Genetic factors, such as certain immune markers (e.g. HLA-B27)
Smoking, which is associated with increased risk and severity of uveitis

What are the signs and symptoms of uveitis?

Eye redness, often around the coloured part of the eye
Eye pain or discomfort
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Blurred or reduced vision
New floaters or spots in the vision
Headache or brow ache (especially with anterior uveitis)
Small or irregular pupil shape
Excessive tearing

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of uveitis, and some forms may cause minimal pain or redness but still threaten vision if untreated.

What is the treatment for uveitis?

Treatment for uveitis depends on what is causing the inflammation, and the main goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and protect vision.

Inflammation without infection (often autoimmune or idiopathic): This is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medicines, most commonly steroid eye drops. In more severe cases, steroid tablets, injections around the eye, or long-term immune-modulating medications may be needed.
Infectious uveitis (caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites): Treatment focuses on the underlying infection using antibiotics, antiviral, or antiparasitic medications, often combined with steroids once infection control has begun.
Uveitis linked to systemic disease (such as arthritis or inflammatory conditions): Management may involve coordination with other specialists and the use of immune-suppressing medications to control the body’s immune response.
Supportive treatment: Dilating eye drops are often used to reduce pain, prevent scarring inside the eye, and improve comfort.

Early diagnosis and tailored treatment are important, as untreated uveitis can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataract, or vision loss.

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