What is uveitis?

Uveitis is a term for a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the eye. Uveitis affects the part of your eye called the 'uvea'. This is a layer of blood vessels under the white part of your eye.

You can get different types of uveitis, including:

• anterior uveitis — affecting the iris in the front of your eye
• intermediate uveitis — affecting the middle part of the eye between your iris and lens
• posterior uveitis — affecting the retina and blood vessels at the back of your eye
• panuveitis — affecting all the middle parts of your eye

Uveitis can be serious. If not treated it can damage your eye and lead to blindness.

What are the symptoms of uveitis?

Uveitis can cause several symptoms such as redness and pain. These may develop gradually over hours or days.

Symptoms may include:

• redness in the eye
• eye pain
• sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• blurred vision
• dark, floating spots in your field of vision
• flashes of light
• decreased vision

Sudden eye pain is serious. If this happens, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

What causes uveitis?

The cause of uveitis is often not known. Uveitis is associated with many conditions including:

• autoimmune diseases — such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• infections — such as herpes, syphilis or tuberculosis
• eye injury — such as getting objects or chemicals in your eye
• systemic inflammatory diseases — such as sarcoidosis and inflammatory bowel disease
• genetic factors — you are more likely to develop uveitis if it runs in your family

Smoking may also increase your risk of getting uveitis. Some medicines can cause uveitis as a side effect.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have any symptoms of uveitis. Symptoms that need immediate medical attention include:

• sudden and severe eye pain
• significant vision changes
• persistent redness in the eye
• intense sensitivity to light

How is uveitis diagnosed?

To diagnose uveitis your doctor will check your medical history, do a physical examination and perform tests. If your doctor thinks you may have uveitis, they may refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) for a full eye examination.

They may do blood tests to check for inflammation and possible causes of uveitis.

How is uveitis treated?

Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms and treat the cause.

You may be prescribed medicine to swallow or in the form of eye drops. The type of medicine you need depends on the cause of your uveitis.

Medicines may include:

• steroids — to reduce swelling and inflammation
• immune-suppressing medicine — to dampen your immune system if steroids don't work
• antibiotics or antiviral medicines — to treat bacterial or viral infections
• pain-relief medicines — to help reduce pain

If another health problem causes uveitis, treating that problem may help. This includes conditions such as autoimmune diseases.

Sometimes other treatments such as surgery are required.

What are the complications of uveitis?

If uveitis is left untreated it can lead to scarring of your eye and blindness.

It's important to see your doctor or ophthalmologist if you are worried about your eyes.

Can uveitis be prevented?

Uveitis can't be prevented, but you can reduce the chance of your condition getting worse by taking the medicines recommended by your doctor.

You can also reduce the risk by not smoking.

Resources and support

• Centre for Eye Research Australia offers information on eye conditions, including uveitis.
• Lions Eye Institute offers support in finding an eye doctor and provides a fact sheet on uveitis.
• You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• NACCHO can help you find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.