Uveitis: Inflammation of the Eye
Uveitis is inflammation of the middle coloured (pigmented) layer of the eye, called the uvea or uveal tract.
It usually affects people aged 20 to 59, but can occur at any age, including in children. Men and women are affected equally. In the UK, it is estimated that 2 to 5 in every 10,000 people are affected by uveitis each year. Despite being relatively uncommon, uveitis is a leading cause of visual impairment, with serious cases responsible for 1 in every 10 cases of vision loss.
The uvea consists of:
- Iris: the coloured part of the eye
- Ciliary body: a ring of muscle behind the iris
- Choroid: a layer of tissue supporting the retina
When the uvea becomes inflamed, common symptoms may include:
- Pain in one or both eyes
- Redness of the eye
- Blurred vision
Floaters (shadows moving across your vision)
Uveitis can have many causes. Most cases are thought to be autoimmune, where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. Less commonly, uveitis may result from infection or eye injury.
Types of Uveitis
The type of uveitis depends on which part of the eye is affected:
Anterior Uveitis
- Involves the iris (iritis) or the iris and ciliary body (iridocyclitis)
- Most common form, accounting for about three out of four cases
- Usually affects one eye at a time, though both eyes can be involved
- Can be acute or chronic
- Acute anterior uveitis may be painful, and all forms can affect vision if untreated
Intermediate Uveitis
- Affects the area around and behind the ciliary body
Posterior Uveitis
- Affects the back of the eye, including the choroid and retina
Panuveitis
- In some cases, both the front and back of the eye are affected
Treatments for Uveitis
The main treatment is steroid medication (corticosteroids) to reduce inflammation.
- Eye drops: for uveitis affecting the front of the eye
- Injections, tablets, capsules: for uveitis affecting the middle or back of the eye
Additional treatments may include:
- Eye drops to relieve pain or dilate the pupil
- Immunosuppressants
- Rarely, surgery
Early treatment increases the likelihood of successful management.
Complications
While most cases respond well to treatment, there is a risk of complications, particularly for those with intermediate or posterior uveitis, or repeated episodes.
Potential complications include:
- Glaucoma
- Retinal damage
- Permanent vision loss
Uveitis Specialist in Birmingham
At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, we have a dedicated uveitis clinic where patients with both acute and chronic disease are seen and treated using advanced diagnostic and management techniques.