UPMC Eye Center

Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uveal tract, the part of the eye that supplies blood.  There are many reasons why the uveal tract can become inflamed, including wearing contact lenses too long, infections, autoimmune diseases, and trauma. In many cases of uveitis, the cause remains unknown.

The symptoms of uveitis depend on where the uveal tract first became inflamed. 

• Anterior uveitis – inflammation of the area around the iris – usually includes redness, eye pain, tearing, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. 
• Posterior uveitis – inflammation towards the middle and back of the eye including the ciliary body or the retina. This may or may not be painful, but typically can be more serious.
• Panuveitis is the inflammation of both the anterior and posterior uvea.

Uveitis needs to be promptly treated with topical and/or oral steroids to avoid vision-threatening complications. In some instances, a full systemic work-up is needed to discover the cause of the uveitis, and the underlying disorder causing the uveitis must be treated prevent it from recurring.

Diagnosis
In order to rule out other causes of a red eye and to determine the extent of the uveitis, a complete ocular exam including dilation is necessary.

Once your eye doctor diagnoses the uveitis, he or she may perform additional tests to determine its cause. 

Treatment
Typically, the easiest and best way to treat uveitis is with topical steroid eye drops.  Usually these drops are used for several weeks. Sometimes oral steroids may be needed to treat uveitis. It is important that patients taking steroids visit with their doctor frequently as steroids can cause glaucoma and cataracts in some people. Some patients may also receive a drop that will dilate their pupils and keep the iris in one place, which will increase comfort. However, these drops may temporarily increase focusing problems and cause light sensitivity.

For more information, or to make an appointment with an eye doctor, please contact the UPMC Eye Center at 412-647-2200.

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