Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. The uvea sits between the white outer layer (sclera) and the light-sensitive inner layer (retina), and it provides much of the eye’s blood supply. When it becomes inflamed, it can affect nearby structures and, if left untreated, may cause lasting damage, including vision loss. At Pacific Eye Associates, uveitis care is provided by a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who specializes in ocular inflammatory disease.
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What Causes Uveitis?
Uveitis can be triggered by conditions inside or outside the eye, including:
- Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Infections, including viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic
- Eye injury
- Unknown causes. Often no specific cause is found, and treatment is guided by your symptoms and exam instead.
In situations where no cause is found, this doesn’t limit our ability to treat the condition effectively. Treatment is guided by your symptoms and exam findings rather than the underlying cause alone.
Because uveitis can be linked to conditions elsewhere in the body, your care may involve a rheumatologist or other specialist.
Types of Uveitis
Anterior Uveitis (Iritis)
The most common type, affecting the iris and ciliary body at the front of the eye. It's often linked to autoimmune conditions and usually treated with eye drops. Episodes typically last up to eight weeks but can come back.
Symptoms: redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision
Intermediate Uveitis
Affects the vitreous and the outer edge of the retina. It's more common in children and young adults and can last months to years, with periods of flare-ups.
Symptoms: floaters, blurred vision, mild light sensitivity, usually with less pain and redness than anterior uveitis
Posterior Uveitis (Choroiditis / Chorioretinitis)
The least common type, affecting the choroid and retina at the back of the eye. It tends to develop gradually and carries the highest risk to vision.
Symptoms: floaters, blurred or reduced central vision, changes in peripheral vision, mild or no pain and redness
When to Seek Care
New or worsening redness, pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes should be checked promptly. If you have been diagnosed with uveitis and are experiencing a flare, call us at (415) 923-3007 rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Uveitis Treatment
Treatment depends on the type, cause, and severity of your uveitis. Options may include:
- Steroid eye drops, often used for anterior uveitis
- Oral or injected steroids for more severe or posterior uveitis
- Immunosuppressive medications for chronic or recurring uveitis
- Antimicrobial medication when an infection is the cause
Your doctor may also recommend lab tests or imaging to help pinpoint the cause. In some cases, additional laboratory testing or imaging may be recommended.
