Definition of Uveitis

Eye Diseases and Conditions Slideshow

Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, the part of the eye that collectively refers to the iris, the choroid of the eye, and the ciliary body. The uvea provides most of the blood supply to the retina. Uveitis as a rule signifies inflammation involving the iris, choroid, and ciliary body -- all three components of the uveal tract.

The symptoms of uveitis may be redness of the eye, blurred vision, unusual sensitivity to light, and eye pain.

The causes of uveitis are many, including autoimmune disorders and infections. Autoimmune diseases associated with uveitis include ankylosing spondylitis, Behcet's syndrome, psoriasis, Reiter's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Infections associated with uveitis include AIDS, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes zoster (shingles), histoplasmosis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, and tuberculosis.

Treatment depends on the cause.