Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is the Uvea?Types of UveitisSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentComplicationsRisk FactorsRecoveryOutlookPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is the Uvea?
Types of Uveitis
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Risk Factors
Recovery
Outlook
Prevention
Uveitisis theinflammationof the uvea (the middle layer of the eye) and its surrounding tissues. It can cause eye pain, redness, and cloudy vision. It can affect one or both eyes.Left untreated, uveitis can damage your eye tissue, causing permanentvision loss.
The different types of uveitis are based on which part of the eye it affects. Causes include eye injuries, infections, andinflammatory diseases.
This article covers uvea anatomy, types of uveitis, symptoms, causes, treatment, and more.
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The uvea is the middle layer of the eyeball. It is made up of three parts: the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid.
Iris
Theirisis the colored part of the eye located between thecornea(the transparent, dome-like structure on the front part of the eye) and the lens. The round, central opening of the iris, called the pupil, controls how much light gets into the eye, allowing you to see in lighter or darker environments.
The iris can sometimes become inflamed, creating a condition callediritis.
Ciliary Body
Theciliary bodyis the part of the eye that helps the lens to focus. It surrounds the iris and hides behind thesclera—the white of the eye.
The ciliary body makes aqueous (water-like) fluid and controls the muscle that lets the lens change shape to help you focus and see.
Choroid
The choroid connects theretinato the sclera. It is located between the outer part of the sclera and the retina in the back of the eye. The main function of the choroid is to provide oxygen and nourishment to the retina.
RetinaThe retina is the thin layer of tissue lining the very back of the inside part of the eyeball. It contains millions of tiny cells that react to light, color, and fine details to help you see.
Retina
The retina is the thin layer of tissue lining the very back of the inside part of the eyeball. It contains millions of tiny cells that react to light, color, and fine details to help you see.
The different types of uveitis are based on the primary area of inflammation.
Anterior Uveitis
Anterior uveitis is swelling of the uvea near the front part of the eye. It will start suddenly. Symptoms may go on for weeks.Anterior uveitis is sometimes called iritis andiridocyclitis.
This type of uveitis affects one or both eyes. Symptoms include eye pain and redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
Intermediate Uveitis
Intermediate uveitis is swelling in the middle part of the eye. This type of uveitis is also calledcyclitisorvitritisbecause it causes inflammation that affects thevitreous—the gel in the middle of the eye and behind the lens.
Intermediate uveitis has cycles of symptoms and then improvement. Symptoms may include blurred vision andfloaters(spots in the field of vision), which can last for weeks or months.
What Is Posterior Vitreous Detachment?
Posterior Uveitis
Posterior uveitis causes swelling of the uvea toward the back part of the eye. It is also called retinitis or choroiditis because it primarily affects the retina or choroid.
This type of uveitis causes symptoms that start gradually and stick around for many years. Posterior uveitis is known for causing floaters, flashing lights, and vision loss.
Panuveitis
Uveitis can cause inflammation affecting the front, middle, and back of the eye—a condition calledpanuveitis. This is the most severe form of uveitis because it combines symptoms of the other three types.
Uveitis Symptoms
Symptoms of uveitis can range from mild to severe. They can start suddenly and gradually worsen.
Symptoms may include:
Uveitis can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
If you experience these symptoms, you should see an optometrist orophthalmologist(an eye doctor with specialized eye medical and surgical training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases).
Why Does My Eye Hurt?
Uveitis Causes
It is not known exactly what causes uveitis, but it seems to be linked to other conditions. If the cause is unclear, uveitis might be considered anautoimmune diseaseaffecting one or both eyes.
Autoimmune DiseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system malfunctions and damages healthy tissues in the body.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system malfunctions and damages healthy tissues in the body.
If a cause for uveitis can be determined, it may be related to any of the following:
Eye Irritation: Common Causes and Soothing Remedies
How Uveitis Is Diagnosed
Uveitis needs immediate treatment to avoid long-term problems like vision loss.If you experience its symptoms, you should see an ophthalmologist who can conduct a complete eye exam.
An eye exam includes:
If the ophthalmologist thinks an underlying condition has led to your uveitis, they may refer you to other specialists for additional exams and testing.
How Uveitis Is Treated
If an underlying condition has led to uveitis, treating the underlying condition can address eye inflammation. Treatment for uveitis may also focus on managing symptoms and reducing eye swelling.
Medications that can treat uveitis include those that:
Surgery might be necessary in cases in which uveitis might lead to vision loss or other conditions, such ascataracts(clouding of the lens).
A Word From VerywellCorticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time. They can cause increased eye pressure and glaucoma even when used for short periods. It is important to have your eye pressure monitored when on steroid eye medications.—BRYAN M. WOLYNSKI, OD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time. They can cause increased eye pressure and glaucoma even when used for short periods. It is important to have your eye pressure monitored when on steroid eye medications.—BRYAN M. WOLYNSKI, OD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time. They can cause increased eye pressure and glaucoma even when used for short periods. It is important to have your eye pressure monitored when on steroid eye medications.
—BRYAN M. WOLYNSKI, OD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Treating Anterior Uveitis
Anterior uveitis is typically treated with medications that decrease inflammation and relieve pain. Corticosteroids are used for inflammation, while dilating eye drops are used for pain.
In severe cases, your healthcare provider will prescribe medications that suppress the immune system to stop inflammation before it starts. Surgery is rarely needed to treat uveitis, except if complications occur, such asincreased eye pressureor cataracts.
Treating Intermediate and Posterior Uveitis
Intermediate uveitis causes inflammation of the vitreous. If this type of inflammation occurs, a surgical procedure called avitrectomymight be recommended. During this surgery, the surgeon removes the vitreous and replaces it with another solution, such as silicone oil or saline.
Difficult-to-treat posterior uveitis is sometimes treated with intraocular implants.An intraocular implant is placed surgically in the eye, after which it slowly releases corticosteroids over a long period to bring down the swelling. This device comes with side effects, including an increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma.
GlaucomaGlaucoma is an eye disease that damages theoptic nerveat the back of the eye, which connects to the brain. This happens because of fluid buildup in the front part of the eye, causing pressure on the optic nerve. Untreated glaucoma could lead to vision loss.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages theoptic nerveat the back of the eye, which connects to the brain. This happens because of fluid buildup in the front part of the eye, causing pressure on the optic nerve. Untreated glaucoma could lead to vision loss.
Uveitis needs treatment, or it can lead to severe complications. Potential complications of uveitis include:
Steroids can be an effective short-term treatment for reducing eye inflammation. Even short periods of use can cause increased eye pressure and glaucoma, so if on steroids, eye pressure must be monitored. Long-term use can lead to serious side effects, including delayed healing, cataracts, and glaucoma.
If uveitis is chronic or recurs, your healthcare provider may prescribe immunosuppressant medications to manage the condition long-term and potentially induce remission, a period over which inflammation is under control.
Risk Factors for Uveitis
Anyone can get uveitis, but it often affects people between the ages of 20 and 60.Your risk for uveitis increases if you are a cigarette smoker.
What Happens During Uveitis Recovery?
How quickly you recover from uveitis depends on the type and severity of the condition.Posterior uveitis and panuveitis heal much more slowly than other types.
Severe eye inflammation can take longer to improve than mild inflammation. Uveitis can sometimes recur and become chronic (long-term), and it is not unusual for symptoms to return or worsen.
What’s the Long-Term Outlook for Uveitis?
Most people can manage uveitis successfully and avoid vision loss. Vision loss is more likely if there are delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Do not ignore symptoms of uveitis or try to treat them at home. The sooner you receive treatment, the more likely you are to recover and avoid permanent vision problems.
Can You Prevent Uveitis?
You cannot prevent uveitis. This is because many of its causes are unpredictable and involve complicated processes. But there are things you can do to protect your eyes.
Ways to protect your eyes include:
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Summary
Uveitis is a swelling of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. Causes include infections, eye injury, previous surgery, an autoimmune or inflammatory disease, a vitamin D deficiency, or medications.
Symptoms of uveitis include eye pain and redness, floaters, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Although uveitis is rarely serious, it can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Uveitis is treated with steroid eye drops, oral steroids, steroid injections, immunosuppressant drugs, and antibiotics. Surgery might be necessary in severe cases to manage pain and inflammation.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eye Institute.Uveitis.University of Florida Health.Iris.MedlinePlus.Ciliary body.National Cancer Institute.Definition of choroid.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Uveitis.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is uveitis?Lee RW, Nicholson LB, Sen HN, et al.Autoimmune and autoinflammatory mechanisms in uveitis.Semin Immunopathol. 2014;36(5):581-594. doi:10.1007/s00281-014-0433-9Iqbal KM, Hay MW, Emami-Naeini P.Medication-induced uveitis: an update.J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2021;16(1):84-92. doi:10.18502/jovr.v16i1.8254Pillar S, Amer R.The association between vitamin D and uveitis: a comprehensive review.Surv Ophthalmol. 2022;67(2):321-330. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.07.006Review of Ophthalmology.Current diagnosis and management of uveitis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vitrectomy.Lee DJ.Intraocular implants for the treatment of autoimmune uveitis.J Funct Biomater. 2015;6(3):650-666. doi:10.3390/jfb6030650UT Southwestern Medical Center.What is uveitis? A rare, treatable eye disease.Sobrin L, Pistilli M, Dreger K, et al.Factors predictive of remission of chronic anterior uveitis.Ophthalmology. 2020;127(6):826-834. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.11.020Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips to prevent vision loss.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eye Institute.Uveitis.University of Florida Health.Iris.MedlinePlus.Ciliary body.National Cancer Institute.Definition of choroid.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Uveitis.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is uveitis?Lee RW, Nicholson LB, Sen HN, et al.Autoimmune and autoinflammatory mechanisms in uveitis.Semin Immunopathol. 2014;36(5):581-594. doi:10.1007/s00281-014-0433-9Iqbal KM, Hay MW, Emami-Naeini P.Medication-induced uveitis: an update.J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2021;16(1):84-92. doi:10.18502/jovr.v16i1.8254Pillar S, Amer R.The association between vitamin D and uveitis: a comprehensive review.Surv Ophthalmol. 2022;67(2):321-330. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.07.006Review of Ophthalmology.Current diagnosis and management of uveitis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vitrectomy.Lee DJ.Intraocular implants for the treatment of autoimmune uveitis.J Funct Biomater. 2015;6(3):650-666. doi:10.3390/jfb6030650UT Southwestern Medical Center.What is uveitis? A rare, treatable eye disease.Sobrin L, Pistilli M, Dreger K, et al.Factors predictive of remission of chronic anterior uveitis.Ophthalmology. 2020;127(6):826-834. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.11.020Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips to prevent vision loss.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Eye Institute.Uveitis.University of Florida Health.Iris.MedlinePlus.Ciliary body.National Cancer Institute.Definition of choroid.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Uveitis.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is uveitis?Lee RW, Nicholson LB, Sen HN, et al.Autoimmune and autoinflammatory mechanisms in uveitis.Semin Immunopathol. 2014;36(5):581-594. doi:10.1007/s00281-014-0433-9Iqbal KM, Hay MW, Emami-Naeini P.Medication-induced uveitis: an update.J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2021;16(1):84-92. doi:10.18502/jovr.v16i1.8254Pillar S, Amer R.The association between vitamin D and uveitis: a comprehensive review.Surv Ophthalmol. 2022;67(2):321-330. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.07.006Review of Ophthalmology.Current diagnosis and management of uveitis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vitrectomy.Lee DJ.Intraocular implants for the treatment of autoimmune uveitis.J Funct Biomater. 2015;6(3):650-666. doi:10.3390/jfb6030650UT Southwestern Medical Center.What is uveitis? A rare, treatable eye disease.Sobrin L, Pistilli M, Dreger K, et al.Factors predictive of remission of chronic anterior uveitis.Ophthalmology. 2020;127(6):826-834. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.11.020Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips to prevent vision loss.
National Eye Institute.Uveitis.
University of Florida Health.Iris.
MedlinePlus.Ciliary body.
National Cancer Institute.Definition of choroid.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Uveitis.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is uveitis?
Lee RW, Nicholson LB, Sen HN, et al.Autoimmune and autoinflammatory mechanisms in uveitis.Semin Immunopathol. 2014;36(5):581-594. doi:10.1007/s00281-014-0433-9
Iqbal KM, Hay MW, Emami-Naeini P.Medication-induced uveitis: an update.J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2021;16(1):84-92. doi:10.18502/jovr.v16i1.8254
Pillar S, Amer R.The association between vitamin D and uveitis: a comprehensive review.Surv Ophthalmol. 2022;67(2):321-330. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.07.006
Review of Ophthalmology.Current diagnosis and management of uveitis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vitrectomy.
Lee DJ.Intraocular implants for the treatment of autoimmune uveitis.J Funct Biomater. 2015;6(3):650-666. doi:10.3390/jfb6030650
UT Southwestern Medical Center.What is uveitis? A rare, treatable eye disease.
Sobrin L, Pistilli M, Dreger K, et al.Factors predictive of remission of chronic anterior uveitis.Ophthalmology. 2020;127(6):826-834. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.11.020
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips to prevent vision loss.
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