Uveitis and Eye Inflammation
What Is Uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation of the eye’s vascular (uveal) layer. The uvea includes key structures such as the iris (the colored part of the eye), the choroid (the nourishing vascular layer), and the ciliary body (involved in lens function). Uveitis occurs when one or more of these structures become inflamed.
Uveitis is a highly complex condition and can follow a different course in each patient. Treatment is individualized, and the medication type and dosage must be determined by the physician.
The gel-like substance in the middle of the eye is surrounded by a three-layer “coat.” The middle layer is the uvea; inflammation of the uvea is called uveitis. Uveitis may affect all uveal tissues (iris, choroid, ciliary body) or only one of them.
Today, uvea diseases are considered a distinct subspecialty. Diagnosis and treatment are increasingly supported by advances in immunology and genetics.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Symptoms of Uveitis
Redness of the eye
Tearing
Light sensitivity and glare
Spotted or blurry vision, or significant vision loss
Sudden flashes of light
Pain in the eyeball
When uveitis affects the front of the eye, severe episodes may cause redness, blurred vision, pain around the eye, light sensitivity, and floaters. When uveitis is mainly in the back of the eye, symptoms are more often limited to blurred vision. If the macula (the central vision area) is involved, vision can decrease suddenly and permanent vision loss may occur due to tissue damage.
Types of Uveitis
Anterior uveitis (front)
Intermediate uveitis (middle)
Posterior uveitis (back)
There are multiple subtypes. Uveitis can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, trauma, or genetic factors.
Risk factors may include immune system problems, certain infections, environmental factors, and eye injuries.
Which Diseases Can Cause Uveitis?
Behçet’s disease
Immune system disorders
Ulcerative colitis
Crohn’s disease
Ankylosing spondylitis
Rheumatic diseases in adults and children
Eye involvement from infections (bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal) such as tuberculosis, syphilis, herpes, toxoplasmosis, etc.
Eye trauma
Because uveitis is complex and can vary widely between patients, treatment must be planned by experienced physicians specialized in uvea diseases, and medication dosing must be determined accordingly.
How Is Uveitis Diagnosed?
Regardless of severity, uveitis is an urgent condition. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the disease can progress and inflammation may lead to permanent complications such as pupil shape irregularities, cataract, and increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma). Once symptoms begin, the first step is to be examined by an ophthalmologist experienced in uveitis. Delaying the initial examination can lead to permanent vision loss.
Some types of uveitis have a typical appearance and can be diagnosed quickly. However, if the back of the eye is involved, advanced tests may be needed to assess the degree of visual threat and to monitor treatment response—such as angiography, ultrasonography, and ERG. For example, angiography using a dye called ICG (indocyanine green) can provide direct diagnostic information in suspicious cases. Further investigations may be conducted collaboratively with specialists in rheumatology, chest diseases, dermatology, and neurology.
Behçet’s disease may present with recurrent aphthous ulcers in the mouth and genital area and can cause uveitis. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that can involve many body systems, including joints, large and small vessels, respiratory system, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal organs. Symptoms typically occur in flares and vary significantly between individuals.
Causes of Uveitis
In 30–40% of uveitis patients, the exact cause cannot be identified. Uveitis may be caused by infectious agents such as viruses, fungi, or parasites, or it may be an ocular manifestation of a systemic disease—therefore, various laboratory tests may be required. Uveitis can also be associated with collagen tissue and autoimmune systemic diseases such as Behçet’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Uveitis Diagnosis and Treatment
Uveitis is typically diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. The type and cause of inflammation are determined through eye examination, blood tests, and imaging studies. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent permanent vision loss. As with many diseases, routine annual eye examinations may help detect issues early.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Steroid medications
Immunosuppressive therapies
Eye drops and other supportive treatments
Treatment often requires long-term planning. To reduce uveitis risk and support eye health, healthy lifestyle habits are recommended, including not smoking, wearing sunglasses, and having regular eye exams.
Even after treatment is completed, the patient should be monitored at least every three months, because the disease can recur silently. Patients should inform their eye doctor about any systemic symptoms as well—such as mouth ulcers, skin lesions, or rheumatologic complaints.
Early diagnosis, regular follow-up, and a cooperative doctor–patient relationship are essential. When these are in place, the affected eye can often be preserved.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
Last Updated: 18.12.2023
*This content is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.*
Uveitis is inflammation of the eye’s vascular (uveal) layer. The uvea includes key structures such as the iris (the colored part of the eye), the choroid (the nourishing vascular layer), and the ciliary body (involved in lens function). Uveitis occurs when one or more of these structures become inflamed.
Uveitis is a highly complex condition and can follow a different course in each patient. Treatment is individualized, and the medication type and dosage must be determined by the physician.
The gel-like substance in the middle of the eye is surrounded by a three-layer “coat.” The middle layer is the uvea; inflammation of the uvea is called uveitis. Uveitis may affect all uveal tissues (iris, choroid, ciliary body) or only one of them.
Today, uvea diseases are considered a distinct subspecialty. Diagnosis and treatment are increasingly supported by advances in immunology and genetics.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Symptoms of Uveitis
Redness of the eye
Tearing
Light sensitivity and glare
Spotted or blurry vision, or significant vision loss
Sudden flashes of light
Pain in the eyeball
When uveitis affects the front of the eye, severe episodes may cause redness, blurred vision, pain around the eye, light sensitivity, and floaters. When uveitis is mainly in the back of the eye, symptoms are more often limited to blurred vision. If the macula (the central vision area) is involved, vision can decrease suddenly and permanent vision loss may occur due to tissue damage.
Types of Uveitis
Anterior uveitis (front)
Intermediate uveitis (middle)
Posterior uveitis (back)
There are multiple subtypes. Uveitis can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, trauma, or genetic factors.
Risk factors may include immune system problems, certain infections, environmental factors, and eye injuries.
Which Diseases Can Cause Uveitis?
Behçet’s disease
Immune system disorders
Ulcerative colitis
Crohn’s disease
Ankylosing spondylitis
Rheumatic diseases in adults and children
Eye involvement from infections (bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal) such as tuberculosis, syphilis, herpes, toxoplasmosis, etc.
Eye trauma
Because uveitis is complex and can vary widely between patients, treatment must be planned by experienced physicians specialized in uvea diseases, and medication dosing must be determined accordingly.
How Is Uveitis Diagnosed?
Regardless of severity, uveitis is an urgent condition. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the disease can progress and inflammation may lead to permanent complications such as pupil shape irregularities, cataract, and increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma). Once symptoms begin, the first step is to be examined by an ophthalmologist experienced in uveitis. Delaying the initial examination can lead to permanent vision loss.
Some types of uveitis have a typical appearance and can be diagnosed quickly. However, if the back of the eye is involved, advanced tests may be needed to assess the degree of visual threat and to monitor treatment response—such as angiography, ultrasonography, and ERG. For example, angiography using a dye called ICG (indocyanine green) can provide direct diagnostic information in suspicious cases. Further investigations may be conducted collaboratively with specialists in rheumatology, chest diseases, dermatology, and neurology.
Behçet’s disease may present with recurrent aphthous ulcers in the mouth and genital area and can cause uveitis. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that can involve many body systems, including joints, large and small vessels, respiratory system, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal organs. Symptoms typically occur in flares and vary significantly between individuals.
Causes of Uveitis
In 30–40% of uveitis patients, the exact cause cannot be identified. Uveitis may be caused by infectious agents such as viruses, fungi, or parasites, or it may be an ocular manifestation of a systemic disease—therefore, various laboratory tests may be required. Uveitis can also be associated with collagen tissue and autoimmune systemic diseases such as Behçet’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Uveitis Diagnosis and Treatment
Uveitis is typically diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. The type and cause of inflammation are determined through eye examination, blood tests, and imaging studies. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent permanent vision loss. As with many diseases, routine annual eye examinations may help detect issues early.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Steroid medications
Immunosuppressive therapies
Eye drops and other supportive treatments
Treatment often requires long-term planning. To reduce uveitis risk and support eye health, healthy lifestyle habits are recommended, including not smoking, wearing sunglasses, and having regular eye exams.
Even after treatment is completed, the patient should be monitored at least every three months, because the disease can recur silently. Patients should inform their eye doctor about any systemic symptoms as well—such as mouth ulcers, skin lesions, or rheumatologic complaints.
Early diagnosis, regular follow-up, and a cooperative doctor–patient relationship are essential. When these are in place, the affected eye can often be preserved.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
Last Updated: 18.12.2023
*This content is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.*
