# Uveitis

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/uveitis

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek | **Date:** 2026-09-15

> **Summary:** Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye made up of the iris, ciliary body and choroid. It causes eye pain, redness, light sensitivity and blurred vision, can lead to permanent vision loss, and is treated according to its cause and severity, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

## Quick Facts

- **Most common type:** anterior uveitis (iritis or iridocyclitis).
- **Least common but most serious:** posterior uveitis.
- **Cause:** unknown in more than 50% of cases; otherwise infections, autoimmune diseases and trauma are the most common causes.
- **Diagnosis:** slit-lamp eye examination, plus blood tests and imaging if needed.
- **Treatment:** steroid drops or ointments in mild cases; oral steroids, immunosuppressants or biological agents in severe cases; antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals when an infection is the cause.

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## What is uveitis?

The uvea is the middle layer of the eye, consisting of the iris, ciliary body and choroid, and it is responsible for the blood flow and nutrition of the eye. Uveitis is not a disease in itself but can be a complication of many different diseases and infections. It is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss.

## Types of uveitis

Classified by the part of the uvea that is inflamed:
- **Anterior uveitis (iritis or iridocyclitis):** inflammation of the iris and ciliary body at the front of the eye. The most common type; usually sudden onset with severe pain, redness, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.
- **Intermediate uveitis:** inflammation centred on the vitreous and the area around the peripheral retina. Less common, with less pronounced symptoms: blurred vision, floaters and night blindness.
- **Posterior uveitis:** inflammation of the choroid and retina at the back of the eye. The least common type and the one with the most serious risk of complications; blurred vision, pain, floaters and narrowing of the visual field.

Other types:
- **Panuveitis:** affects all uveal layers.
- **Granulomatous uveitis:** occurs due to infections and causes small nodules to form in the eye.
- **Masquerade syndrome:** another disease, such as lymphoma, mimics uveitis.

## Symptoms

- Eye pain, the most common symptom; sharp or aching, and may be affected by light.
- Redness of the white of the eye or the iris.
- Hypersensitivity to light and glare.
- Blurred vision, mild or severe, in one or both eyes.
- Black dots or spots floating in front of the eyes.
- Excessive watering of the eyes.
- Eyelid drooping in the affected eye.

## Causes

The cause is unknown in more than 50% of cases. Known causes and triggers:
- Microorganisms: viruses (herpes), bacteria (tuberculosis, syphilis), fungi and parasites (toxoplasma).
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Behçet's disease, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis.
- Trauma: impacts and punctures to the eye area.
- Systemic diseases such as sarcoidosis, vasculitis and multiple sclerosis.
- Eye surgery, for example cataract and glaucoma operations.
- Some medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and some antibiotics.
- Family predisposition.

## Diagnosis and treatment

Uveitis is diagnosed with a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist using a slit lamp; blood tests and imaging may be ordered to find the cause.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity:
- Mild cases: steroid drops or ointments.
- More severe cases: stronger medication such as oral steroids, immunosuppressants or biological agents.
- Uveitis caused by infection: antibiotics, antivirals or antifungal drugs.

## Price

The price of uveitis treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and the procedure needed; the treatment plan drawn up after the detailed examination may differ from person to person. No figure is given on the page.