Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uveal tract—the iris, ciliary body, or choroid—inside the eye. Its pattern and severity vary; prompt ophthalmic assessment helps identify the affected part, find possible underlying causes, and plan appropriate follow‑up.
Types and how uveitis is classified
Uveitis is described by where the inflammation occurs: anterior (front), intermediate (middle), posterior (back), or panuveitis (involving the whole uvea). It can be acute or chronic and affect one or both eyes. Classifying uveitis guides examination frequency and further investigations.
Common symptoms and warning signs
Frequent complaints include eye redness, pain, light sensitivity (photophobia), blurred vision, or reduced vision. Symptoms can start suddenly or develop gradually. Sudden severe pain or rapid vision loss are urgent warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
Possible causes and systemic links
Uveitis may occur by itself or alongside systemic conditions such as inflammatory, autoimmune, or infectious diseases. Eye trauma and postoperative inflammation are other causes. When a systemic trigger is suspected, coordinated evaluation with rheumatology, infectious disease, or internal medicine may be needed to identify underlying conditions.
Diagnosis: typical tests and specialist pathway
Initial assessment is by an ophthalmologist with slit‑lamp examination to determine inflammation location and severity. Additional tests can include visual acuity and intraocular pressure checks, retinal imaging, and targeted blood or infection screens based on clinical clues. If an infectious or systemic cause is suspected, the ophthalmologist will often coordinate care with relevant specialties. Any sudden, severe change in vision warrants urgent assessment.