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Varies based on associated systemic autoimmune condition
May include ANA, HLA-B27, anti-dsDNA, etc.
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
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)
Autoimmune uveitis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks eye tissue. It can be:
Idiopathic (no known cause)
Associated with autoimmune diseases, such as:
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Ankylosing spondylitis
Behçet’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
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
Jabs DA et al. (2005). Standardization of uveitis nomenclature for reporting clinical data. Results of the First International Workshop. Am J Ophthalmol.
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Uveitis.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uveitis
National Eye Institute (NEI). (2022). Uveitis.
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/uveitis
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