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Anterior Uveitis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Anterior Uveitis

(Uveitis; Iritis; Iridocyclitis)

Definition

Anterior uveitis is swelling of the middle layer (uvea) of the eye. Care is needed right away to prevent losing eyesight.

Normal Anatomy of the Eye.

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Causes

In some people, the cause is not known. In others, anterior uveitis may be caused by trauma linked to other health problems, such as:

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in people who are 20 to 40 years of age. People who have a specific gene problem are also at higher risk of anterior uveitis.

Symptoms

A person with anterior uveitis may have:

  • Red, sore, and watering eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Changes in pupil shape
Symptoms of Uveitis—Red, Sore, Watering Eyes.

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Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. An eye exam will be done. This is often enough to diagnose anterior uveitis.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms until the problem goes away. Any underlying causes of anterior uveitis will be treated. The doctor may advise:

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent this health problem.

Medications

Medicine may be given to:

  • Widen the pupils with eye drops to ease pain
  • Ease swelling with corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Lower pressure in the eye

Surgery may be needed if the medicines do not work. This is rare.

Medications

Medicine may be given to:

  • Widen the pupils with eye drops to ease pain
  • Ease swelling with corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Lower pressure in the eye

Surgery may be needed if the medicines do not work. This is rare.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Anterior uveitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/anterior-uveitis.
  • Facts about uveitis. National Eye Institute website. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/uveitis.
  • Iritis overview. Iritis Organization website. Available at: http://www.iritis.org.

Contributors

  • James Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.