About Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It may be linked to infections, rheumatic diseases or immune-system problems, and sometimes no cause is found.
Because untreated uveitis can lead to permanent vision loss through complications such as cataract, glaucoma and macular oedema, early diagnosis and treatment are very important.
What Is Uveitis?
The uvea contains many of the eye’s blood vessels, so when it becomes inflamed the whole eye can be affected. Uveitis is classified by location — anterior (front), intermediate, posterior (back) or involving the whole eye.
It can be a one-off episode or recur over time, especially when linked to an immune or rheumatic condition. Identifying any underlying cause is a key part of treatment.
Symptoms
Uveitis can begin suddenly or gradually; common signs are:
- Eye pain: A deep ache, especially in anterior uveitis.
- Redness: Persistent redness, often around the coloured part of the eye.
- Light sensitivity: Discomfort in bright light (photophobia).
- Blurred vision: Reduced clarity as inflammation affects the eye.
- Floaters: Dark spots drifting across vision in posterior types.
Causes & Risk Factors
Uveitis has many possible triggers:
- Autoimmune / rheumatic disease: Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and Behçet’s disease.
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections.
- Trauma: Injury to the eye can provoke inflammation.
- Systemic inflammatory disease: Sarcoidosis and similar conditions.
- Idiopathic: In many cases no specific cause is identified.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis combines eye examination with a search for underlying causes:
- Slit-lamp examination: Detects inflammatory cells in the eye.
- Dilated fundus examination: Assesses the retina and posterior segment.
- OCT: Detects macular oedema and monitors response.
- Blood tests / imaging: Search for an associated systemic disease.
- Pressure check: Screens for secondary glaucoma.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Treatment suppresses inflammation quickly to relieve symptoms and protect the eye.
Steroids
Topical or systemic steroids reduce active inflammation.
Comfort
Dilating drops ease pain and prevent adhesions.
Follow-up
Response is monitored and treatment tapered carefully.
Inflammation Controlled
Advanced Therapy
In recurrent or severe cases, treatment targets the underlying immune process.
Immunomodulation
Steroid-sparing agents control chronic inflammation.
Biologics
Targeted biologics are used in selected resistant cases.
Underlying Cause
Any infection or systemic disease is treated alongside.
Long-term Control
Do you have eye pain, redness and light sensitivity?
Prompt assessment controls inflammation and reduces the risk of complications.