Ankylosing Spondylitis May Cause Anterior Uveitis

About 30% of people with ankylosing spondylitis develop anterior uveitis sometime in the course of their disease. Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the front part of the eye called the uvea, which includes the iris and ciliary body.

The cause of anterior uveitis is unknown; however, the immune response associated with ankylosing spondylitis that causes the spinal problems is most likely similar to the inflammation seen with anterior uveitis.

Many other possible causes of anterior uveitis exist, but when ankylosing spondylitis is present, the development of anterior uveitis is most likely related to ankylosing spondylitis.