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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Uveitis (u-ve-I-tis) is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. The uvea consists of the iris, choroid and ciliary body. The choroid is sandwiched between the retina and the white of the eye (sclera), and it provides blood flow to the deep layers of the retina. The most common type of uveitis is an inflammation of the iris called iritis (anterior uveitis).
Infections, injury and autoimmune disorders may be associated with the development of uveitis, though the exact cause is often unknown.
Uveitis can be serious, leading to permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent the complications of uveitis.
- Riordan-Eva P, et al. Vaughan & Asbury's General Ophthalmology. 18th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=720. Accessed March 4, 2012.
- Rosenbaum JT. Uveitis: Etiology; clinical manifestations; and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed March 7, 2012.
- Rosenbaum JT. Uveitis: Treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/ index. Accessed March 7, 2012.
- Cunningham ET. Uveitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec09/ch105/ch105a.html. Accessed March 21, 2012.
- De Smet MD, et al. Understanding uveitis: The impact of research on visual outcomes. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 2011;30:452.
- Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 30, 2012.
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