Autoimmune Uveitis

Autoimmune uveitis is a type of eye inflammation caused by the immune system attacking parts of the eye - especially the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This condition can cause eye pain, redness, blurry vision, and even vision loss if not treated. It may occur on its own or as part of a systemic autoimmune disease.

Eye redness; Eye pain; Light sensitivity (photophobia); Blurred or decreased vision; Floaters (dark spots moving in vision); Tearing or dryness. Inflammation types: Anterior uveitis (front of the eye, most common), Intermediate uveitis (vitreous or middle part of the eye), Posterior uveitis (back of the eye, retina and choroid), Panuveitis (entire uveal tract).

The immune system mistakenly attacks eye tissue. Can be idiopathic (no known cause) or associated with autoimmune diseases such as Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), Ankylosing spondylitis, Behcet's disease, Sarcoidosis, Lupus, Multiple sclerosis.

Comprehensive eye exam by an ophthalmologist; Slit-lamp examination; Dilated eye exam; Blood tests to check for underlying autoimmune conditions; OCT or fluorescein angiography (for retina inflammation).

Corticosteroid eye drops (first-line for anterior uveitis); Oral steroids or injections for more severe inflammation; Immunosuppressive medications (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine) for chronic or systemic cases; Biologic agents in severe or unresponsive cases; Regular follow-up exams are crucial to prevent complications.

With early diagnosis and treatment, vision can be preserved. Chronic or untreated inflammation may lead to glaucoma, cataracts, or permanent vision loss. Lifelong management may be necessary in some cases.

Around 38 to 115 per 100,000 people. Autoimmune or non-infectious uveitis accounts for the majority of non-traumatic vision loss in working-age adults.