Uveitis

Uveitis is a broad term for inflammation of one or all parts of the uvea, or the vascular area between the retina and sclera of the eye. Uveitis can be acute, recurrent, or chronic.

All types of uveitis are potentially blinding conditions and should be referred to and managed by an experienced ophthalmologist.

Diagnosis is clinical. Onset and duration of the ocular symptoms offer clues to the etiology. Even after full laboratory and diagnostic workup and treatment, etiology may not be determined.

Treatment for systemic disease causing uveitis must be given in conjunction with uveitis therapy.

Topical ophthalmic corticosteroids are usually adequate for acute noninfectious anterior uveitis, but intermediate and posterior uveitis usually requires local corticosteroid injections or systemic corticosteroids, or other immunosuppressants.

Uveitis is an inflammation of one or all parts of the uvea, or the vascular area between the retina and sclera of the eye. The anterior uvea is composed of the iris and ciliary body; an irritation of this segment, or anterior uveitis, leads to acute painful symptoms and photophobia. Inflammation of the posterior uvea, including the choroid, retina, and retinal vasculature, carries a risk of painless visual loss.

Uveitis of all types affects children and adults, and the etiology is most commonly idiopathic. This topic addresses uveitis in adults.