Uveitis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Uveitis causes several noticeable symptoms that affect vision and eye comfort. People with this condition may experience redness and pain in their eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. Many also notice dark spots floating in their field of view and may have decreased visual clarity.
These symptoms can appear suddenly and worsen quickly in some cases, while others might develop them gradually. The condition can affect just one eye or both eyes.
Sometimes, a person might have uveitis without any symptoms, only discovering it during a routine eye examination.
The uvea forms the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall and consists of three main parts:
- Iris: The colored portion visible at the front of the eye.
- Ciliary body: A structure positioned behind the iris.
- Choroid: A layer containing blood vessels located between the retina and sclera (white part of the eye).
When looking in a mirror, you can see the white sclera and the colored iris. Inside the back of the eye is a gel-like substance called vitreous, with the retina lining the interior back wall.
If you notice warning signs of uveitis, contact your doctor promptly. They may refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) for further evaluation. For severe eye pain or unexpected vision problems, seek immediate medical attention.
Signs and Symptoms
Uveitis often causes noticeable eye problems that can appear suddenly or develop slowly. The most common symptoms include eye redness, pain, and light sensitivity.
Many people also experience blurred vision or see “floaters” (small dark spots) in their field of view.
Pain levels can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, especially in anterior uveitis, which affects the front of the eye. Blurry vision may be mild at first but can worsen if the condition isn’t treated promptly.
Other symptoms to watch for include:
- Decreased vision
- Small pupil size
- Headaches
- Watery eyes
- Seeing halos around lights
Symptoms may affect one or both eyes, depending on the type of uveitis. In some cases, there may be little or no pain despite serious inflammation inside the eye.
The specific signs often relate to which part of the uvea is inflamed:
| Type of Uveitis | Main Area Affected | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Anterior | Front of eye (iris) | Redness, pain, light sensitivity |
| Intermediate | Middle of eye | Floaters, blurred vision |
| Posterior | Back of eye | Vision changes, floaters |
| Panuveitis | All parts of uvea | Combination of all symptoms |
Causes
Uveitis happens when the uvea (middle layer of the eye) becomes inflamed. Several factors can trigger this inflammation, and they vary depending on the type of uveitis.
Autoimmune disorders often lead to uveitis when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis can cause eye inflammation as part of their systemic effects.
Infections represent another common cause. These include:
- Bacterial infections (tuberculosis, syphilis)
- Viral infections (herpes, HIV)
- Fungal infections (histoplasmosis)
- Parasitic infections (toxoplasmosis)
Eye injuries can trigger uveitis in some people. Even minor trauma may lead to inflammation weeks or months after the initial injury.
Genetic factors play a role in certain types of uveitis. People with specific genes, such as HLA-B27, face higher risks of developing this condition.
Medications and cancer can sometimes cause uveitis as a side effect. Certain drugs and cancer treatments may trigger inflammation in the eye.
In many cases, doctors cannot identify a specific cause despite thorough testing. This is called idiopathic uveitis.
When to Get Help for Uveitis
Contact your doctor right away if you notice eye redness, pain, or vision changes. These symptoms might indicate uveitis, which requires prompt medical attention.
Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Severe eye pain
- Sudden vision changes or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Floating spots in your vision
- Redness in the eye
Don’t delay treatment for these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of uveitis can help prevent complications that may lead to permanent vision loss.
If you have a history of uveitis, any new symptoms or worsening of existing symptoms should prompt a call to your eye doctor.
People with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis should be especially watchful for eye symptoms, as they have a higher risk for developing uveitis.
Remember that uveitis can sometimes develop gradually. Even mild symptoms that persist for more than a few days deserve medical attention. Your eye health is too important to ignore warning signs.
