Introduction: Managing Inflammation Inside the Eye
Uveitis is a term for inflammation inside the eye, and it can affect vision if left unmanaged. Because it can stem from a wide range of causes and vary significantly in severity, uveitis calls for careful evaluation and an individualized management plan. At Ace Medical Care, our team evaluates and manages uveitis and other forms of ocular inflammation.
What Is Uveitis?
Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Inflammation can affect the front, middle, or back of the eye — or more than one area at once — and can be short-lived or ongoing. Left unaddressed, uveitis can potentially lead to complications affecting vision, which is why timely evaluation matters.
Types of Uveitis
- Anterior Uveitis: Inflammation affecting the front of the eye, including the iris.
- Intermediate Uveitis: Inflammation centered in the middle structures of the eye.
- Posterior Uveitis: Inflammation affecting the back of the eye, including the retina and choroid.
- Panuveitis: Inflammation involving multiple areas of the eye at once.
What Causes Uveitis?
Uveitis can arise from a number of sources, including infections, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, injury to the eye, or, in some cases, without an identifiable cause. Because the underlying cause can vary so widely, a thorough evaluation — sometimes involving coordination with other specialists — is often an important part of managing the condition effectively.
Common Symptoms
- Eye redness
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- New floaters
Symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually, and their severity can vary depending on which part of the eye is affected.
Evaluating and Diagnosing Uveitis
Diagnosing uveitis starts with a detailed eye examination, including assessment of inflammation within different structures of the eye. Depending on your history and symptoms, our team may recommend additional testing to help identify an underlying cause, and we may coordinate with your primary care provider or other specialists when uveitis appears linked to a broader health condition.
Managing Uveitis
Treatment for uveitis is tailored to the type, severity, and suspected cause of the inflammation. The goal of management is to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and protect vision, while monitoring closely for flare-ups or complications over time. Because uveitis can be a recurring or chronic condition for some patients, ongoing follow-up is often an important part of long-term care.
Who Should Seek a Uveitis Evaluation?
- Anyone experiencing eye redness, pain, or light sensitivity that doesn't resolve
- Patients with new floaters or blurred vision alongside eye discomfort
- Individuals with an autoimmune or inflammatory condition and new eye symptoms
- Patients referred for evaluation of recurring eye inflammation
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
If you're dealing with eye redness, pain, or inflammation that needs specialized attention, our team at Ace Medical Care is here to help. Contact us to schedule a uveitis evaluation.