Uveitis

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Eye

Iritis; Pars planitis; Choroiditis; Chorioretinitis; Anterior uveitis; Posterior uveitis

Iritis is usually mild. Treatment may involve:

• Dark glasses
• Eye drops that dilate the pupil to relieve pain
• Steroid eye drops

Pars planitis is often treated with steroid eye drops. Other medicines, including steroids taken by mouth, may be prescribed to help suppress the immune system.

Posterior uveitis treatment depends on the underlying cause but almost always includes steroids taken by mouth. Additional specialists in infectious disease or autoimmunity may be needed for such diseases as syphilis, tuberculosis, AIDS, sarcoidosis, or Behcet syndrome.

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If the uveitis is caused by a body-wide infection, treatment may involve antibiotics and powerful anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids. See autoimmune disorders for information on treating such diseases.

With proper treatment, most attacks of anterior uveitis go away in a few days to weeks. However, relapses are common.

Inflammation related to posterior uveitis may last from months to years and may cause permanent vision damage, even with treatment.

• Cataracts
• Fluid within the retina
• Glaucoma
• Retinal detachment
• Vision loss

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of uveitis. Eye pain or reduced vision are urgent symptoms that require prompt medical attention.

Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).