Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation inside the eye that may affect different parts of the eye, such as the iris, or the entire eye. 

Symptoms

While uveitis may present minimal symptoms, most people with uveitis have some of the following symptoms:

• New, severe light sensitivity
• Red eye
• Floaters
• Blurry vision or vision loss

Causes

Uveitis may be caused by autoimmune conditions, including:

• ankylosing spondylitis
• inflammatory bowel diseases
• multiple sclerosis
• psoriatic arthritis
• sarcoidosis 

Uveitis can also be caused by common viruses such as herpes, shingles, syphilis, tuberculosis and Lyme disease.

Diagnosis

To diagnose uveitis, we collect a detailed patient history, review symptoms, and perform laboratory testing and a full eye exam with dilation. If needed, we'll take photographs of the inside of the eye.  

Treatment

Most uveitis cases can be controlled with steroids taken as drops, injections or pills.

If steroids are ineffective or used for too long, then immunosuppressive agents may be recommended.

The majority of people living with uveitis maintain good vision. However, uveitis is a serious disease and can cause severe vision loss. Frequent recurrences of uveitis will require long-term monitoring.