Uveitis occurs when there is active inflammation originating from the uveal tract of the eye.  The uveal tract includes: the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid.  Inflammation can occur in the eye for many reasons.  A common reason is that the body’s immune system becomes confused and sends inflammatory cells to attack parts of one’s own body (in this case, the uveal tissue).  Another cause could be an infection inside the eye, such as from a virus, bacteria, or fungus.

Patients with active uveitis may complain of light sensitivity, redness, and blurry vision.

Uncontrolled inflammation in the eye can cause significant problems including the potential for vision loss and blindness.  Complications from uveitis include swelling of the retina (macular edema), low or high eye pressure (glaucoma), retinal detachment, and scar tissue formation.  Treatment of uveitis is recommended to thwart these complications.  Treatment may include topical steroid eyedrops, shots of steroids inside or around the eye, or systemic drugs that modulate the immune system.