Uveitis is a form of eye inflammation that can affect people of all ages and it’s more common in those living with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. While it can sound alarming, understanding the signs, causes, and treatments can make a real difference in protecting your vision.
What is uveitis?
Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris (the coloured part), ciliary body, and choroid. Depending on which part is affected, uveitis may be described as:
- Anterior uveitis (front of the eye – most common)
- Intermediate uveitis
- Posterior uveitis (back of the eye)
- Panuveitis (all layers)
Why does it matter?
Uveitis isn’t just “a sore eye.” Without prompt treatment, it can lead to complications such as vision loss, glaucoma, or cataracts. The good news is that early detection and treatment are highly effective.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can come on suddenly or develop gradually. Common signs include:
- Eye redness
- Pain or discomfort
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Floaters (small spots or lines drifting across your vision)
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you have arthritis or an autoimmune condition, it’s important to seek medical care promptly.
What causes uveitis?
Uveitis can be linked to a range of factors, including:
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis
- Infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal)
- Eye injury or trauma
- Sometimes, no clear cause is identified
For people living with inflammatory arthritis, uveitis can be part of the broader immune response happening in the body. It could be an indicator that the disease is active or not well controlled.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but may include:
- Corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation
- Oral medications or injections for more severe cases
- Immunosuppressive therapies if uveitis is linked to an autoimmune condition
- Treatment of any underlying infection if present
Your care team may include a GP, ophthalmologist, and sometimes a rheumatologist working together.
Living well and reducing risk
While not all cases can be prevented, there are ways to support your eye health:
- Stay on top of your arthritis or autoimmune condition management
- Attend regular eye check-ups, especially if you’re at higher risk
- Act early, don’t ignore changes in your vision
- Take medications as prescribed and discuss any side effects with your healthcare team
When should you seek help?
Treat uveitis as urgent. If you experience eye pain, redness, or changes in vision, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The bottom line
Uveitis is a serious but manageable condition. With early diagnosis and the right care, most people can protect their vision and continue living well. If you’re living with arthritis, staying informed and proactive about eye health is an important part of your overall self-management.
