The uvea is the middle layer of the wall of the eye. It has three parts: the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid. Inflammation (or swelling) of any part of the uvea is called "uveitis." Uveitis can be classified by the area involved. If the primary area involved is the iris, the condition is called "iritis"; the ciliary body, "cyclitis", and the choroid, "choroiditis." Uveal inflammation may also involve adjacent tissues.

Untreated uveal inflammation can lead to blindness. Cataract, glaucoma, retinal scarring, retinal detachment, optic nerve damage and atrophy or shrinkage of the eye are some of the potential complications of persistent uveitis. Many patients with uveitis have good vision as their disease is managed by medicines and eye drops. A careful medical history, including family, social and sexual history, is important in the uveitis patient.

Disease of the uvea affects nutrition of vital structures: the cornea, lens, retina and vitreous, thus causing a breakdown in the function of these structures. Uveitis may be sight threatening and more serious than other common eye disorders.

It depends upon the cause,however immediate and adequate treatment is the secret of success. Treatment varies from homatropine -( mydriatics), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteriods to specific antibiotics. Immunosuppressive agents are warranted in vision threatening auto immune uveitis.

When symptoms occur a careful history and examination of the eye and the whole body is extremely important, and needs to be aided by tailored investigations to arrive at a diagnosis. Since uveitis can be associated with disease in other parts of the body, your ophthalmologist will want to know about your overall health. Inflammation will affect sight, can lead to blindness, if left treated.

There are different types of Uveitis depending on which part of the eye it is affected, depending upon the cause etc (may get recurrence in most of the types of uveitis) When the uvea is inflammed near the front part of the eye it is called anterior uveitis.(from cornea to lens) It usually has a sudden onset and may last for 6-8 weeks If the uvea is inflammed in the middle of the eye, it is called intermediate uveitis. It can affect vision by causing floaters.

Tuberculosis., Syphilis, Leprosy, Toxoplasmosis, Leptospirosis, Viral (including HIV), Fungal infections, etc.,