Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye. It can hurt your vision quickly if you ignore it. If you notice blurry vision, eye pain, light sensitivity, or a red eye that won’t go away, don’t wait. Uveitis can come from infections, autoimmune conditions, or sometimes for no clear reason at all.
Symptoms can start suddenly or slowly. Common signs are: sudden blurry vision, pain in the eye, strong sensitivity to light (photophobia), floaters or spots that move through your vision, and a red or bloodshot eye. If you have any of these, especially vision loss or severe pain, contact an eye doctor right away.
Many things can trigger uveitis. Infections like herpes, tuberculosis, or toxoplasmosis can cause it. Autoimmune diseases—such as rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, or inflammatory bowel disease—are other common causes. Sometimes it’s linked to injuries or even certain medications. Often, no single cause is found; doctors call that idiopathic uveitis.
Diagnosis starts with a dilated eye exam and a slit-lamp exam so the doctor can see the inside of the eye. They may check eye pressure and take photos. Blood tests, chest X-rays, or MRI can help find an underlying disease. Your doctor will ask about recent infections, joint problems, or other symptoms to guide testing.
Treatment depends on the type and cause. Most patients get steroid drops for inflammation. If inflammation is deeper or doesn’t respond, your doctor may prescribe steroid pills, injections, or immune-suppressing drugs. For infection-related uveitis, antibiotics or antivirals are needed. Newer biologic medicines can help severe, chronic cases.
Important: steroid drops and pills need monitoring. They can raise eye pressure or cause cataracts. That’s why follow-up visits and eye pressure checks are part of the plan. Never start or stop steroids on your own.
Practical tips while you get care: wear sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity, rest your eyes, and avoid rubbing them. Keep a list of current meds and previous health problems to give to your eye doctor. Tell them about recent infections or what family members have had—this often helps find the cause.
If you have chronic or recurring uveitis, build a care plan with your ophthalmologist. Regular check-ups, clear instructions on medications, and a plan for flare-ups will protect your sight. Emergency signs—sudden vision loss, intense pain, or new flashes of light—mean call your eye doctor or go to urgent care.
Uveitis can be scary, but most cases are treatable if caught early. Act quickly on symptoms, follow your doctor’s plan, and get regular checks to keep your eyes healthy.
In one of my recent researches, I came across a fascinating connection between open-angle glaucoma and uveitis. It turns out that the inflammation caused by uveitis can increase the risk of developing open-angle glaucoma. This is mainly due to the damage it causes to the drainage system within our eyes, leading to increased ocular pressure. As a result, early detection and proper management of uveitis are crucial in preventing the onset of open-angle glaucoma. I believe that understanding this connection can help us take better care of our eye health and prevent vision loss in the future.