Uveitis (Eye Inflammation)

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UT Southwestern ophthalmologists provide high-quality care for ocular immunologic diseases such as uveitis (inflammation of the eye). We use the most advanced diagnostic tools to quickly diagnose the condition, prevent symptoms, and, whenever possible, restore lost vision.

What is Uveitis?

Uveitis refers to a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the middle layer of the eye (the uvea). The term is also used to describe any inflammatory disease of the eye that causes swelling and damages tissue. Uveitis may come on suddenly and reappear later, or it can be a chronic condition. It’s the third-leading cause of blindness in the United States.

Advanced Care for Patients with Inflammatory Eye Disease

At UT Southwestern, our ophthalmologists have special expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory eye diseases such as uveitis. Our uveitis specialist has the unique training required to not only diagnose but also prescribe and manage the immunotherapy to treat many of these autoimmune disorders when needed.

Uveitis is one of the many ophthalmic subspecialties available at UT Southwestern, which allows us to coordinate between groups and offer the most comprehensive ophthalmic care in Texas. Our vast knowledge and experience mean that patients can be confident they’ll receive the best possible care.

Types of Uveitis

Uveitis is classified based on its location.

Anterior uveitis (the most common type): Inflammation of the front of the eye
Intermediate uveitis: Inflammation of the middle of the eye; it often affects the gel-like fluid of the eye (the vitreous)
Posterior uveitis: Inflammation of the back of the eye
Panuveitis: Inflammation of all three layers of the eye
Scleritis: Inflammation of the outer layers of the eye

When the eye becomes inflamed, it may be the body’s response to an eye infection, or the immune system may be attacking healthy eye tissue (autoimmune disorder).

Causes of Uveitis

Infectious or infection-related causes of uveitis include:

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, a viral infection of the retina
Shingles (herpes zoster), a viral infection that causes a painful rash
Syphilis, a type of sexually transmitted disease
Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that causes flu-like symptoms

Autoimmune disorders that can cause uveitis include:

Ankylosing spondylitis, a rare type of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine
Behcet’s disease, a condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels
Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease
Multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system
Rheumatoid arthritis, a disorder that causes inflammation of the lining of the joints
Sarcoidosis, a disease that causes the growth of inflammatory cell clusters (granulomas) in one or more organs
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease, a condition that affects the nervous system, ears, eyes, and skin
Reactive arthritis, a type of arthritis that develops because of an infection
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a type of arthritis that affects the joints in children

Sometimes, uveitis is not associated with a systemic disease (meaning it’s not idiopathic).

Uveitis Symptoms

Early symptoms of uveitis include:

Blurry vision
Eye pain
Floaters (small spots or squiggly lines in the field of vision)
Light sensitivity
Red eyes

If left untreated, uveitis can lead to complications that result in permanent vision loss. Because people with uveitis may not be aware that they have it until later stages, it’s important to see a doctor immediately if early symptoms appear.

Diagnosing Uveitis

At UT Southwestern, our ophthalmologists begin each visit with a thorough evaluation, which includes a discussion of a patient’s medical history as well as their symptoms and risk factors. We’ll thoroughly check the patient’s eyes, which usually includes:

Assessment of vision with eye charts
Tonometry, a test that measures eye pressure
A slit-lamp exam, which uses intense light to identify microscopic inflammatory cells in the front of the eye
A dilated eye exam, which involves using eye drops to widen (dilate) the pupils so they can be checked thoroughly

We may order additional tests to determine if an infection or autoimmune disease is causing the uveitis.

Uveitis Treatment

Our doctors create treatment plans that are tailored to each patient, taking into account the severity of the disease, which part(s) of the eye is affected, and other existing health problems. Treatments can ease symptoms and, in some cases, reverse vision loss.

We often use steroids to reduce eye inflammation and prevent vision loss. Steroids may be prescribed in the form of:

Eye drops
Injections in or around the eye
Pills
Intravenous (IV) medications
Eye implant that gradually releases a small dose of steroid

For long-term control of uveitis, systemic medications to control the immune system may be prescribed.

If a systemic health condition has contributed to uveitis, we may use a multidisciplinary approach with coordination of care from doctors from additional specialties (such as rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, dermatologists, pulmonologists, etc.) to control the disease process.