Uveitis is an eye inflammation that can permanently damage your vision if ignored.

Health · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Uveitis is a serious inflammation of the eye's middle layer, the uvea. It often strikes suddenly, causing pain, redness, and blurred vision. Because it can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated, recognizing its warning signs and seeking prompt care from an ophthalmologist is essential for protecting your long-term sight.

The uvea is the middle layer of the eye wall, comprising the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. Uveitis is classified by which of these structures is inflamed. Anterior uveitis, or iritis, is the most common form, affecting the front of the eye. Intermediate uveitis targets the vitreous gel and the area behind the ciliary body, while posterior uveitis involves the retina or choroid. Panuveitis is the most extensive form, affecting all layers of the uvea simultaneously.

Symptoms vary based on the type and severity of the inflammation. While anterior uveitis typically presents with intense pain, redness, and light sensitivity, intermediate and posterior forms are often painless, manifesting instead as floaters or blurred vision. In many instances, symptoms develop rapidly over hours or days, though they can also emerge gradually over weeks. Sometimes, the condition is asymptomatic and only discovered during a routine eye examination.

Identifying the cause of uveitis is challenging; in roughly half of all cases, no specific trigger is found. When a cause is identified, it often links to autoimmune or inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis, or Crohn's disease. Infections—such as shingles, toxoplasmosis, or tuberculosis—and physical eye injuries can also trigger the condition. Rarely, it may be a side effect of medication or associated with eye cancer.

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, managing pain, and addressing any underlying infection or systemic disease. Ophthalmologists may prescribe various medications, including immunosuppressants or TNF inhibitors for severe, recurrent cases. If left unmanaged, the condition can lead to serious complications, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and permanent vision loss. Because of these risks, any sudden change in vision or significant eye pain warrants immediate medical attention.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

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