Uveitis is a term that describes inflammation of the uvea (which includes the iris, ciliary body and choroid). These eye layers form the middle layer between the retina and the sclera.

Uveitis is not one disease but describes several diseases depending on the
location of the affected part of the eye.

  • Iritis (Anterior Uveitis): Inflammation of the front of the eye
  • Pars Planitis (Intermediate Uveitis): Inflammation of the middle part of the eye
  • Posterior Uveitis: Inflammation of the choroid or back part of the eye
  • Panuveitis: All layers of the uvea are involved

uveitis_img

What causes Uveitis?

  • Depending on the location and involved part of the eye, uveitis may be
    associated with viruses (Shingles, Mumps, Herpes, etc.); systemic
    inflammatory diseases (Sarcoid, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, etc.); previous injury to the eye; or infections (Fungi, Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis, etc.)

How is Uveitis treated?

  • Depending on the cause of the inflammation, treating the underlying illness may require joint care with your retina specialist, primary care physician, infectious disease specialist and/or rheumatologist.
  • Prevention or treatment of the complications including glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye); cataract (clouding of the eye’s natural lens);
    neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth); or damage to the retina, optic nerve or both may require drops, intraocular injections, laser surgery, systemic medications or in some cases, eye surgery.

For More Information and Educational Resources

Eye Wiki

The Eye Encyclopedia written by Eye Physicians & Surgeons, sponsored by The American Academy of Ophthalmology

EyeSmart

Eye Health information from The American Academy of Ophthalmology

Saving Vision

Patient-information resource hosted by The American Society of Retina Specialists

Complete Patient Forms

Download Form

Referring Physician Form

Download Form