13th February 2025

Overview of uveitis

The term uveitis encompasses inflammation of one or all parts of the uvea (the layer between the retina and sclera). All types of uveitis should be referred to ophthalmology as they carry a risk of blindness.

Anatomical classification is useful both for understanding clinical features and because different aetiologies cause different patterns of inflammation:

• Anterior uveitis (iritis): iris and ciliary body
• Posterior uveitis: posterior vitreous, retina, choroid, retinal vasculature, optic nerve
• Panuveitis: all segments of uveal tract

Uveitis is most commonly idiopathic, but in many cases it is associated with systemic disease. Management is specific to the underlying cause, and systemic signs and symptoms should be sought to make a unifying diagnosis.