Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, the uvea, which contains many of the blood vessels that nourish the retina. Although less familiar than cataracts or glaucoma, uveitis is responsible for a meaningful share of preventable blindness worldwide. It can appear suddenly with dramatic symptoms or develop quietly, and either pattern requires prompt expert care.
The uvea has three parts: the iris at the front, the ciliary body just behind it, and the choroid lining the back of the eye. Inflammation can be localized to one region or involve all of them. Anterior uveitis is the most common form and typically presents with pain, redness, and light sensitivity. Posterior uveitis affects the back of the eye and tends to cause floaters and gradual blurring.
About half of cases are linked to systemic disease, including ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain infections such as toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, or syphilis. The remainder are idiopathic, meaning no specific cause is identified despite thorough investigation. Trauma and certain medications can also trigger episodes.
Symptoms include redness concentrated around the colored part of the eye, deep aching pain, blurred vision, floaters, and marked sensitivity to light. Unlike conjunctivitis, the discharge is minimal and the redness is deeper and more uniform. Any of these symptoms, especially when combined, deserves same-day evaluation by an eye care professional, since delays measured in days can lead to permanent damage.
A slit-lamp examination reveals inflammatory cells floating in the aqueous humor and characteristic deposits on the back of the cornea. Imaging of the retina and choroid, blood tests, and chest imaging are often used to search for underlying systemic disease. Coordinating care between an ophthalmologist and a rheumatologist or infectious disease specialist often produces the best outcomes.
Topical corticosteroid drops form the backbone of treatment for anterior disease, often combined with drops that relax the iris and reduce pain. Posterior and severe cases may require oral steroids, steroid injections around or inside the eye, or systemic immunosuppressive therapy. The National Eye Institute summarizes current treatment approaches at nei.nih.gov.
Complications such as glaucoma, cataract, and cystoid macular edema can develop from the inflammation itself or from prolonged steroid use, so monitoring continues even after symptoms settle. With early diagnosis and modern therapy, the long-term prognosis has improved markedly, and most patients retain useful vision throughout life.
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