Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea — the middle layer of the eye including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can strike suddenly or develop gradually, and left unmanaged can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, or permanent vision loss, so prompt diagnosis matters. Because it can signal infection or a system-wide autoimmune condition, treatment often means working alongside physicians in internal medicine, rheumatology, or infectious disease.
Conditions we treat
- Anterior uveitis (iritis) — the most common form, quick-onset with pain, redness, light sensitivity
- Intermediate uveitis — centred in the vitreous, causing floaters and blurred vision
- Posterior uveitis — involves the retina and choroid, higher risk to central vision
- Panuveitis — inflammation spanning front, middle, and back of the eye
- Needs hospital confirmation: Historical note: the hospital's earlier site described extensive experience with HIV/AIDS-related ocular complications and an early report linking Chikungunya fever to serious eye complications — both need hospital verification before publishing as current claims
Diagnosis & technology
- Slit-lamp examination for inflammatory cells and signs of anterior uveitis
- Dilated fundus examination of retina, choroid, and vitreous
- OCT to detect macular oedema, a common complication
- Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography
- Blood tests and coordination with internal medicine/rheumatology/infectious disease when systemic disease is suspected
Treatment options
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Corticosteroids — drops for anterior disease, injections around/inside the eye, or tablets for more severe/posterior disease
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Pupil-dilating drops in acute anterior uveitis to ease pain
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Targeted treatment of any confirmed infectious cause
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Immunomodulatory therapy for chronic or recurrent autoimmune uveitis
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Management of associated complications (glaucoma, cataract, macular oedema)
When to seek care
See an eye doctor promptly for eye pain, redness, blurred vision, new floaters, or light sensitivity, especially if sudden or if you have a known autoimmune condition. If previously diagnosed, seek care quickly if familiar symptoms return.
Frequently asked questions
Is uveitis the same as a normal red eye or conjunctivitis?
No — uveitis is inflammation inside the eye and can affect vision and cause pain/light sensitivity that ordinary conjunctivitis does not.
Will uveitis come back after treatment?
It can, especially when linked to an underlying autoimmune condition — long-term follow-up helps catch recurrences early.
Do I need tests beyond an eye exam?
Often yes — blood tests, imaging, or referral may be recommended, particularly for recurrent, severe, or posterior uveitis.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — What Is Uveitis? , National Eye Institute — Uveitis , Mayo Clinic — Uveitis . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Content pending final medical review by BSEH doctors before publish.
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