Uveitis and Vasculitis

Uveitis is a general term describing a group of inflammatory diseases affecting the eyes that can lead to slightly reduced vision or severe vision loss if not properly treated. While uveitis may occur at any age, working-aged individuals between 20 – 50 years old are affected most frequently.

At Emory, our clinicians work with colleagues in pediatric rheumatology to manage uveitis that develops in children.

The term "uveitis" is used because the diseases  often affect a part of the eye called the uvea (i.e. iris, ciliary body and choroid). But uveitis is not limited to the uvea; they may also affect the retina, optic nerve, lens, and vitreous, leading to reduced vision or blindness if not detected and treated.

Uveitis may be restricted to the eye or it may occur as part of a systemic inflammatory disease affecting other parts of the body. Uveitis can last for a short (acute) or a long (chronic) time. The most severe forms of uveitis may recur many times during a patient's lifetime but, with proper treatment, recurrences can be limited or eliminated altogether.

Retinal vasculitis is a thickening of the vessels in the retinal vasculature that causes them to restrict blood flow and become inflamed. Continued restriction can eventually cause damage to the eye. The condition may be idiopathic (of unknown origin) or be associated with an underlying systemic infection or eye disease.

What are the symptoms of uveitis?

Uveitis can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms may develop rapidly and can include:

• Blurred vision
• Dark, floating spots in the vision (floaters)
• Eye pain
• Redness of the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Small pupil

When should I ask for a medical assessment of symptoms?

Anyone suffering eye pain, severe light sensitivity, and any change in vision should schedule an ophthalmology examination.