What is the most common type of uveitis?

Anterior uveitis, involving the iris and ciliary body, is the most common form and typically presents with eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.

Why is it important to rule out infection in uveitis?

Because corticosteroids and immunosuppression can worsen infectious causes such as herpesvirus, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, or tuberculosis, identifying or excluding infection is essential before or alongside anti-inflammatory therapy.

Can uveitis indicate a systemic disease?

Yes. Uveitis can be the presenting sign of systemic conditions such as sarcoidosis, HLA-B27–associated spondyloarthropathies, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, so recurrent or bilateral disease often warrants systemic evaluation.

Cornea & Ocular SurfaceOphthalmologyOptometry

Uveitis

Also known as: Iritis, Iridocyclitis, Intraocular inflammation

Overview

Uveitis is inflammation of the uveal tract and adjacent intraocular structures, encompassing a heterogeneous group of infectious, immune-mediated, and idiopathic conditions. It is classified anatomically as anterior, intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis. Prompt diagnosis and control of inflammation are essential because untreated uveitis is a significant cause of preventable vision loss.

LinkedIn Facebook X

Definition: Intraocular inflammation
Classification: Anterior, intermediate, posterior, pan
Causes: Autoimmune, infectious, idiopathic
Cornerstone therapy: Corticosteroids + treat the cause

Key clinical points

Anterior uveitis is the most common form and often presents with pain, redness, and photophobia.
Posterior and panuveitis more often threaten vision and may signal systemic disease.
A structured workup is guided by the anatomic pattern and associated systemic clues.
Infectious causes must be excluded before or alongside immunosuppression.
Steroid-sparing immunomodulatory therapy is used for chronic or recurrent disease.

Classification and causes

The Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature framework classifies uveitis by the primary anatomic site of inflammation. Anterior uveitis involves the iris and ciliary body; intermediate uveitis centers on the vitreous and pars plana; posterior uveitis affects the retina and choroid; panuveitis involves all segments.

Causes range from HLA-B27–associated and other autoimmune conditions, sarcoidosis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis to infectious agents such as herpesviruses, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and tuberculosis. A substantial proportion remains idiopathic.

Evaluation

History and the anatomic pattern of inflammation direct a targeted workup rather than a shotgun panel. Examination documents cell and flare, keratic precipitates, vitritis, and retinal or choroidal lesions. Ancillary imaging—OCT, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography—assesses macular edema and inflammatory activity.

Excluding infection is essential before escalating immunosuppression, and recurrent or bilateral disease prompts evaluation for underlying systemic conditions in coordination with rheumatology or infectious disease.

Treatment

Corticosteroids—topical, periocular, intravitreal, or systemic depending on location and severity—are the cornerstone of controlling non-infectious inflammation, while infectious uveitis requires targeted antimicrobial therapy. Cycloplegics relieve pain and prevent synechiae in anterior disease.

Chronic, recurrent, or sight-threatening disease is managed with steroid-sparing immunomodulatory agents, including antimetabolites and biologics, to control inflammation while limiting corticosteroid morbidity.

Uveitis videos

Retina

Uveitis Uncovered- Dr. Radhika Rapat

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common type of uveitis?: Anterior uveitis, involving the iris and ciliary body, is the most common form and typically presents with eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
Why is it important to rule out infection in uveitis?: Because corticosteroids and immunosuppression can worsen infectious causes such as herpesvirus, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, or tuberculosis, identifying or excluding infection is essential before or alongside anti-inflammatory therapy.
Can uveitis indicate a systemic disease?: Yes. Uveitis can be the presenting sign of systemic conditions such as sarcoidosis, HLA-B27–associated spondyloarthropathies, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, so recurrent or bilateral disease often warrants systemic evaluation.

References & further reading

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of progressive optic neuropathies characterized by retinal ganglion cell loss and corresponding visual field defects, most often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and because early disease is asymptomatic, detection depends on structural and functional screening. Lowering IOP remains the only proven, modifiable way to slow progression.

Clinical overview Cornea & Ocular Surface

Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by loss of tear film homeostasis, accompanied by ocular symptoms, in which tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and neurosensory abnormalities play etiological roles. It is among the most common reasons patients present to eyecare providers. Management is staged and targets the underlying subtype—aqueous-deficient, evaporative, or mixed.

Clinical overview