Although steroid medication has been, and continues to be, the mainstay treatment for a wide spectrum of unveitis, many new medication and treatment options exist to aid the ophthalmologist in treating stubborn conditions. These include newer immune modulating medications and non-steroidal medications.   Newer drug delivery methods and advanced diagnostic tools also help tailor treatment in a growing number of patients.

Since unveitis specialists deal with a wide variety of types and causes, it is difficult to make sweeping statements. 

Most patients, even with chronic unveitis, have a favorable outcome. Prompt treatment and accurate diagnosis are important in effectively managing both the symptoms and the outcome of uveitis. Some patients can have a uveitis which is resistant to treatment and potentially lose vision permanently.

If left untreated, uveitis can lead to permanent scarring and loss of vision. Uveitis is the fourth leading cause of permanent vision loss in this country. Fortunately, however, prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment lead to successful outcomes in the majority of patients.

Acute iritis is quite commonly seen in the ophthalmologist’s office. A patient who has an episode of iritis may frequently have recurrences, which typically decrease in frequency and intensity as one ages. Because frequent recurrences can be common, it is important for the patient to be aware of the onset of these unique symptoms and seek care promptly.

Vitreous floaters are common and most typically do not mean you have uveitis. Vitreous floaters are commonly noticed against a bright blue sky or a bright background. Patients with intermediate or posterior uveitis will commonly have many dark, dot-like floaters or a wall of vitreous inflammatory strands, which can obstruct vision.  These are typically much more significant and dense than common floaters.

Acute iritis is the most commonly diagnosed form of uveitis. When the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, becomes inflamed, it typically causes the classical combination of pain, light sensitivity and redness. It is commonly seen in young, otherwise healthy individuals. The patient’s clinical treatment can run up to 6–8 weeks depending on the severity of the inflammation and promptness of treatment.

Uveitis can be broadly categorized into infectious versus non-infectious causes.  The largest number of uveitis patients fall into the non-infectious category.  Because of the  broad number of underlying inflammatory systemic conditions associated with uveitis, which can affect other parts of the body, your ophthalmologist may do lab testing, consisting of blood tests, skin test and x-rays, to look for underlying causes of the inflammation. Often, despite a thorough evaluation, laboratory results are normal and patients are otherwise healthy which means the inflammation can be treated symptomatically. 

Patients who have uveitis because they have an infection in other parts of their body, receive clinical evaluation and precise treatment with appropriate medications for the infection.

The uvea is defined anatomically by the iris, choroid and ciliary body. Each of these structures is highly vascularized and can be the site of abnormal inflammation. These vascular structures play an important role in providing oxygen and nourishment to the eye. The term uvea comes from the Latin term uva, which means grape.