Uvea

Introduction

The uvea is the middle layer of the eye, made up of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It plays a vital role in nourishing the eye and controlling light entry. Uveal diseases, especially uveitis (inflammation of the uvea), can be sudden and severe, potentially causing vision loss if not treated promptly. At Solis, our uveitis specialists provide timely diagnosis and targeted treatments to control inflammation and protect your vision.

Common Symptoms of Uveal Conditions

Uveal diseases often present with sudden discomfort and visual disturbances.

Eye Redness

Especially around the iris.

Eye Pain

Ranging from mild to severe discomfort.

Blurred Vision

A common early sign of uveitis.

Sensitivity to Light

Discomfort when exposed to sunlight or bright lights.

Floaters

Small specks or shapes floating in your vision.

Decreased Vision

Can worsen quickly if untreated.

https://soliseyecare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/uvea_01.jpg

Causes and Risk Factors

Uveal conditions can arise from a variety of causes:

Autoimmune Diseases: Like rheumatoid arthritis or sarcoidosis.
Infections: Viral (herpes), bacterial (TB), or parasitic infections.
Trauma: Injury to the eye can trigger inflammation.
Systemic Inflammatory Disorders: Such as lupus or inflammatory bowel disease.
Genetic Predisposition: Some people are more prone to recurrent inflammation.
Unknown Causes: In some cases, the cause remains unclear (idiopathic uveitis).
  • Types of Uveitis
  • Diagnosis & Treatment at Solis
  • Long-Term Care and Monitoring

Uveitis is classified based on the part of the uvea affected:

Anterior Uveitis: Inflammation of the iris; the most common type.
Intermediate Uveitis: Affects the ciliary body.
Posterior Uveitis: Involves the choroid and retina.
Panuveitis: Inflammation of the entire uveal tract.
https://soliseyecare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Uvea_01.jpg

At Solis, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess uveal inflammation and identify its cause.

Diagnosis: Slit-lamp examination, fundus imaging, blood tests, and sometimes ocular ultrasound.
Treatment: Includes corticosteroid eye drops, systemic medications for autoimmune causes, and antibiotics for infections. Severe cases may need immunosuppressive therapy.
https://soliseyecare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/UVEA_4.jpg

Uveitis can recur, so regular monitoring is essential.

Follow medication schedules carefully.
Attend regular eye exams to catch flare-ups early.
Manage systemic diseases under your doctor’s care.
https://soliseyecare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/UVEA_03.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is uveitis a serious condition?

Yes, if untreated, it can lead to complications like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage.

Will I need lifelong treatment?

Some cases require long-term monitoring, especially those linked to autoimmune diseases.

Can uveitis cause blindness?

If neglected, yes. Early and consistent treatment prevents most vision loss.

Is uveitis contagious?

Only if caused by certain infections. Most autoimmune causes are not contagious.

How soon should uveitis be treated?

Immediate treatment is crucial to reduce inflammation and protect your vision.