Understanding Uveitis: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Need to Know

Uveitis is a medical condition that causes inflammation inside the eye. Specifically, it affects the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye that contains many blood vessels. While it may not be a commonly known term, uveitis is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if not treated in time.

What Is Uveitis?

The eye has three main layers: the outer layer (sclera), the middle layer (uvea), and the inner layer (retina). The uvea includes the iris (colored part of the eye), the ciliary body (helps focus the eye), and the choroid (provides nutrients to the retina). When any part of the uvea becomes inflamed, the condition is called uveitis.

Depending on where the inflammation occurs, uveitis is divided into:

Anterior uveitis – affects the front of the eye (most common type).
Intermediate uveitis – affects the middle part of the eye.
Posterior uveitis – affects the back of the eye.
Panuveitis – affects all parts of the uvea.

What Causes Uveitis?

Uveitis can be caused by many different factors. In some cases, the exact cause isn’t known, which is called idiopathic uveitis. However, known causes include:

Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis.
Infections such as herpes, syphilis, tuberculosis, or toxoplasmosis.
Eye injuries or trauma.
Certain cancers involving the eye (rare).
Smoking and stress have also been linked to increased risk.

Symptoms of Uveitis

The symptoms of uveitis can come on suddenly or gradually and may affect one or both eyes. Common symptoms include:

Eye redness
Eye pain
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Seeing floaters (small shapes or shadows)

Because these symptoms are similar to other eye conditions, it’s important to see an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis.

How Common Is Uveitis?

Although uveitis is not as well-known as cataracts or glaucoma, it is more common than most people think. It is estimated to affect about 38 to 52 people per 100,000 each year worldwide. That may sound small, but it makes up a significant portion of people with vision problems. In fact, uveitis is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, especially in people of working age (20–60 years).

Can Uveitis Come Back?

Yes, uveitis can recur, meaning it can come back even after successful treatment. Recurrence depends on the cause and type of uveitis. For example:

Anterior uveitis, the most common type, has a recurrence rate of up to 50–60%.
If the cause is autoimmune or unknown, flare-ups may happen more frequently.
Chronic uveitis may need long-term treatment to prevent relapses.

Regular follow-ups with an eye specialist can help detect early signs of recurrence and prevent complications.

Treatment of Uveitis

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. The main goal is to reduce inflammation and save vision. Common treatments include:

Steroid eye drops for anterior uveitis.
Oral steroids or injections for more severe types.
Immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune-related uveitis.
Antibiotics or antivirals if the cause is infection.

Wearing sunglasses, avoiding stress, and not skipping medications can help manage the condition better.

Conclusion

Uveitis is a serious eye condition that requires proper medical attention. Though it can be painful and vision-threatening, most people recover well with early treatment. Since the condition can return, regular eye checkups are crucial. By learning the symptoms and seeking care early, people can protect their vision and overall eye health.

FAQs

1. Is uveitis contagious?
No, uveitis itself is not contagious. However, if it’s caused by an infection like herpes or tuberculosis, those infections may be contagious.

2. Can uveitis cause permanent blindness?
Yes, if left untreated, uveitis can lead to complications like glaucoma, cataracts, or permanent vision loss. Early treatment helps prevent this.

3. How long does uveitis last?
It varies. Anterior uveitis might last a few weeks with treatment, while other types can last for months or become chronic.

4. Is there a cure for uveitis?
There may not be a permanent cure, especially if it’s caused by an autoimmune disease, but it can be effectively managed with medications.

5. Who is at higher risk for uveitis?
People with autoimmune conditions, past eye injuries, or certain infections are at higher risk. Smoking may also increase the risk.