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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
The signs, symptoms and characteristics of uveitis include:
- Eye redness
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Dark, floating spots in your field of vision (floaters)
- Decreased vision
- Whitish area (hypopyon) inside the lower part of the colored area of the eye (iris)
The site of uveitis varies and is described by where in the eye it occurs.
- Anterior uveitis affects the front of your eye (also called iritis).
- Posterior uveitis affects the back of your eye.
- Intermediary uveitis occurs in the jelly-like material in the center of your eye (vitreous).
- Panuveitis occurs when all layers of the uvea are inflamed.
Symptoms may occur suddenly and worsen rapidly, though in some cases, symptoms develop gradually. Symptoms may be noticeable in one or both eyes.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor if you think you may have symptoms of uveitis. Your doctor may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist). If you're having significant eye pain and new vision problems, seek prompt medical attention.
- Cunnigham ET. Uveitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec09/ch105/ch105a.html. Accessed Dec. 29, 2009.
- Rosenbaum JT. Uveitis: Etiology; clinical manifestations; and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 29, 2009.
- Rosenbaum JT. Uveitis: Treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 29, 2009.
- Riordan-Eva P. Disorders of the eyes and lids. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010. 49th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2002. Accessed Dec. 28, 2009.
- Becker M, et al. Vitrectomy in the treatment of uveitis. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2005;140:1096.
- Cunningham ET. Uveal tract and sclera. In: Riordan-Eva P, et al. Vaughan and Asbury's General Ophthalmology. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3091280. Accessed Jan. 3, 2010.
- Van Rooij J, et al. Oral vitamins C and E as additional treatment in patients with acute anterior uveitis: A randomised double masked study in 145 patients. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 1999;83:1277.
- Roberston DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 11, 2010.
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