Specialties Age-Related Macular Degeneration Cataract Surgery Cornea and External Disease Dry Eye Glaucoma Laser Vision Correction Low Vision Rehabilitation Neuro-Ophthalmology Ocular and Orbital Oncology Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Ophthalmic Pathology Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Retina / Vitreous Severe Ocular Surface Disease Program Uveitis Uveitis Uveitis is a group of inflammatory diseases that can produce swelling and can damage eye tissues. Home Patient Care Specialties Uveitis Why you should see a specialist for uveitis Since uveitis is a relatively rare condition and there are many things that can cause it, it is essential to see a specialist who has experience doing the investigative work necessary to find an underlying disease. In addition, patients should seek out a uveitis specialist who has experience using immunosuppressive medications, since their use in some diseases is associated with better long-term outcomes, including in some cases, remission. We collaborate regularly with rheumatologists, infectious disease specialists, oncologists, and other ophthalmologists (mostly pediatric, vitreoretinal and comprehensive eye care). Contact Us Inflammation of the Eye Uveitis is inflammation of the eye that can affect the iris, ciliary body, or choroid. Other structures such as the retina and cornea can also be involved. It is the third leading cause of blindness in the United States. Uveitis affects women and men, all age groups, and all races. There are approximately sixty different causes of uveitis. Approximately 50% of patients with uveitis may have an underlying infectious disease or systemic autoimmune condition associated with inflammation in their eye. Infections such as tuberculosis, syphilis, Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, and Herpes viruses can cause uveitis. Patients with systemic diseases such as sarcoidosis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis are also at risk of developing uveitis. Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are particularly susceptible to uveitis. In rare instances, uveitis may be due to cancer. Symptoms of Uveitis The symptoms of uveitis vary, depending on the location of the inflammation in the eye. Symptoms may be: Pain Redness Photophobia (sensitivity to light) Floaters Photopsias (flashes of light) Loss of vision Treatments The treatment for uveitis depends on the individual patient and the underlying cause of their inflammation. It can range from antibiotic therapy to local steroid injections or implants to systemic immunosuppressive therapy (chemotherapy). Uveitis Chronic and Serious View Video Find a Provider Whether you need a routine eye exam or care for complex vision problems, the internationally respected ophthalmologists at the UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute will provide you with the highest quality of care to treat your vision problems. Find a Provider Find a Location The UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute has locations in Orange at the UCI Medical Center, and also in Irvine on the UCI Campus. Find a Location