Uveitis & Vasculitis

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Uveitis is inflammation of the middle part of the eye, called the uvea. The uvea is a part of your eye that includes the colored part (iris), the part that helps your eye focus (ciliary body), and the layer with blood vessels that nourishes the eye (choroid).

But uveitis is not limited to the uvea. It can affect the retina, optic nerve, lens and other parts of the eye. Uveitis also may occur as part of an inflammatory disease that affects other parts of the body.

Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels. It may affect the eyes or other parts of the body as well, but it’s less common than uveitis.

Both conditions can impact one or both eyes. Without treatment, they can lead to blindness.

There are many types of uveitis and vasculitis. For uveitis, these include:

• Anterior uveitis: Also known as iritis, this is the most common type. It affects the iris, can start suddenly and last for weeks.
• Intermediate uveitis: This type affects the middle of the eye. This includes the vitreous, or fluid that fills the eye. Intermediate uveitis can come and go for years.
• Panuveitis: This affects all layers of the eye.
• Posterior uveitis: This is the least common type. It affects the structures in the back of the eye, including the retina.

Some of the types of vasculitis that affect the eyes include:

• Behcet’s disease: This can cause anterior uveitis (swelling and irritation of the iris).
• Episcleritis and scleritis: These are inflammation of the outer layer of the eye.
• Retinal vasculitis: This is inflammation of the blood vessels in the retina. It can cause uveitis or occur as a complication of uveitis.

Sometimes, doctors don’t know what causes uveitis and vasculitis. Known causes of uveitis include:

• Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Eye injuries or eye surgery
• Infections that start in the eye or spread to the eye
• Inflammatory diseases that affect the eye

Risk factors that may make you more likely to get uveitis include:

Causes of vasculitis may include:

Risk factors for vasculitis are similar to those of uveitis. They vary based on the specific type of vasculitis.

Uveitis symptoms can develop rapidly. They may include:

Vasculitis symptoms can be similar to those of uveitis. Vasculitis can cause eyes to look red, itch or burn. It can also cause double vision and blindness.

If you’re having any of the symptoms above, see your eye doctor. They will discuss your medical history and do a comprehensive eye exam.

This may include a:

• Fluorescein angiography: Your doctor puts dye in your bloodstream to see the blood vessels in your retina.
• Slit lamp exam: Your doctor dilates your pupils and uses a special microscope with a bright light to look at the layers of your eyes.
• Tonometry: Your doctor measures the pressure inside your eye.
• Visual acuity test: Your doctor checks your vision using eye charts.

After your doctor reviews your test results, they will recommend treatment options.

Treatments for uveitis and vasculitis depend on the type you have. They may include:

• Eye drops to treat infection or reduce eye pressure
• Immunosuppressants to manage an autoimmune disease, if applicable
• Steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat inflammation
• Surgery, such as vitrectomy (rare)