Health condition
Uveitis patient guide
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye; the common front-of-eye form causes a painful, light-sensitive red eye that responds quickly to steroid drops, and recurrent or deeper forms need specialist investigation.
Key points
What matters most, at a glance.
The essentials in plain English - symptoms, when to seek help, who to see and what treatment looks like.
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Anterior uveitis (iritis): aching red eye, light sensitivity and blur, usually one-sided, needs same-day treatment
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Steroid and dilating drops settle most attacks within weeks when started early
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Recurrent, both-sided or posterior uveitis prompts investigation for associated conditions such as HLA-B27 disease, sarcoidosis and infections
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Untreated uveitis can cause glaucoma, cataract and permanent vision loss
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Specialist: a consultant ophthalmologist; complex cases are managed jointly with rheumatology
Understanding it
About Uveitis patient guide, and what to do next.
The uvea is the eye's vascular middle coat, and its inflammation ranges from anterior uveitis, an aching, photophobic red eye developing over a day or two, to intermediate and posterior forms that present more quietly with floaters and blur but threaten the retina. Around half of anterior cases relate to the HLA-B27 gene and its family of conditions (ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease); infections and sarcoidosis account for others, and many remain idiopathic.
Prompt steroid drops plus pupil-dilating drops abort most anterior attacks and prevent the internal scarring that causes complications, so early treatment, and rapid re-treatment of recurrences, is the core skill of living with uveitis. Frequent recurrences, both eyes, or posterior disease warrant blood tests, imaging and sometimes immunosuppressive treatment shared with rheumatologists. Most people start with their GP, who can refer to a consultant ophthalmologist. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks depending on where you live, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Uveitis patient guide.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What is uveitis?
It is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which can cause pain, redness, blurred vision and light sensitivity, and can affect one or both eyes.
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What causes uveitis?
Causes include autoimmune conditions (such as ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis or inflammatory bowel disease), infections, eye injury, or, in many cases, no identifiable cause is found.
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What are the symptoms of uveitis?
Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and floaters are typical, developing over hours to days, and can range from mild to severe.
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Is uveitis dangerous?
Yes, untreated or recurrent uveitis can lead to complications including glaucoma, cataracts, and permanent vision loss, so prompt treatment and follow-up are important.
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Can uveitis be cured?
Some cases resolve after a single episode with treatment, while others, particularly those linked to a chronic underlying condition, can recur or become chronic, requiring longer-term management.
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How is uveitis treated?
Treatment typically starts with steroid eye drops (or, for more severe or posterior uveitis, injections or oral steroids), with additional immune-modulating medication used for recurrent or chronic cases, alongside treatment of any underlying condition.
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How long does uveitis take to resolve?
Many episodes improve within a few weeks with appropriate treatment, though some cases, especially those linked to ongoing autoimmune conditions, take longer or require sustained treatment to prevent recurrence.
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Anterior vs posterior uveitis - what's the difference?
Anterior uveitis affects the front part of the eye (iris and nearby structures) and is more common, typically causing pain, redness and light sensitivity, while posterior uveitis affects the back of the eye, often causing more painless blurred vision and floaters, and can be more sight-threatening.
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When should I seek urgent care for uveitis symptoms?
Eye pain, redness and visual disturbance need urgent assessment, ideally the same day, via an eye casualty department or emergency ophthalmology service, as prompt treatment helps prevent complications.
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When should I see a specialist for ongoing management, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
Ongoing specialist ophthalmology follow-up is needed for recurrent or chronic uveitis. Private ophthalmologists can often see you within about one to two weeks for ongoing management, alongside urgent NHS eye casualty care for acute flares.