Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye. Prompt assessment and a monitored treatment plan help protect vision.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent same-day eye assessment for new eye pain, significant light sensitivity, a very red eye, blurred vision or new floaters with visual change. If urgent eye care is unavailable, attend an emergency department. Sudden loss of vision requires emergency care immediately. Do not wait for a routine booking or assume symptoms are a familiar flare. Other serious eye conditions can look similar. NHS urgent guidance
What is uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye. It can involve the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body and choroid, and may affect surrounding structures. It can occur in one or both eyes, as a single episode, recurrent attacks or a long-term condition. Untreated inflammation can damage sight. NEI overview
Symptoms and types
Symptoms can include aching, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision and floaters. Some cases develop gradually or cause few symptoms. The terms anterior, intermediate, posterior and panuveitis describe where inflammation occurs. Anterior uveitis involves the front of the eye and is often called iritis; other forms affect deeper structures. NEI | NHS
Causes and associated conditions
Sometimes no cause is identified. In other cases, uveitis is associated with infection, injury or an inflammatory condition affecting the wider body. Its presence does not automatically mean there is an autoimmune disease. Mention other symptoms and previous diagnoses so testing can be tailored to your situation. NHS causes
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis relies on the history and a detailed eye examination, often including dilating drops. Depending on the findings, photographs, eye scans, blood tests or other investigations may be recommended. Not everyone needs the same tests. Bring previous eye records and a list of medicines, and note when earlier episodes occurred. NEI assessment | Moorfields investigations
General treatment options
Treatment is selected according to the location, cause and severity of inflammation. It may include prescription anti-inflammatory drops, medicines to relieve painful spasm, treatment for an infection, or medicines given by mouth or injection. Some recurrent or persistent cases need medicines that modify immune activity and specialist monitoring. NHS treatment | Moorfields treatment
Steroids can be useful but require supervision. Both inflammation and treatment may lead to complications, including raised eye pressure, cataract or swelling at the back of the eye. Follow-up matters even when discomfort improves. Do not start leftover steroid drops or change a prescribed taper without your treating team’s advice. NEI | Moorfields
Uveitis: Inflammation Inside the Eye illustrated
Questions for your appointment
- Which part of the eye is inflamed, and is an underlying cause suspected?
- What tests are useful in my case?
- How will treatment and eye pressure be monitored?
- What should I do if symptoms return between appointments?
Frequently asked questions
Is uveitis the same as pink eye?
No. It involves inflammation inside the eye; conjunctivitis affects the surface lining. An examination distinguishes the cause. NEI
Can it come back?
Yes. Some people have recurrent episodes or ongoing inflammation. NHS
Can I stop treatment when the eye feels better?
Follow the agreed plan and contact the treating team before making changes. Symptoms alone cannot replace follow-up examination. Moorfields
This page offers education, not a diagnosis or individual treatment plan.
Sources and further reading
General educational information prepared October 2026. Treatments described are general options; availability and suitability require an individual assessment.
