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Uveitis Characterisation and Symptoms

Uveitis Characterisation and Progression

Uveitis can affect one or both eyes, and can be categorised into the following types, depending on what part or parts of the eye are affected by inflammation:

1. Anterior uveitis: inflammation affects the front of the eye, including the iris (iritis) or iris and the ciliary body (iridocyclitis); anterior uveitis is the most common form of uveitis and most frequently occurs in younger and middle-aged people

2. Intermediate uveitis: affects the middle of the eye, in the area localised to the vitreous; intermediate uveitis most commonly affects young adults.

3. Posterior uveitis (also known as choroiditis): affects the area at the back of the uvea known as the choroid, and the retina may also be affected; posterior uveitis is the least common form of uveitis

4. Panuveitis: is the term used to describe when the inflammation affects all three layers of the uveal tract

 

Anterior uveitis is the most common type in the diabetic population 35, 38.

Uveitis Symptoms

The symptoms experienced by patients affected by uveitis can appear quickly or may develop gradually over time, and uveitis can affect one or both eyes. 

Symptoms of uveitis experienced by patients include28:

  • Eye pain
  • Eye redness 
  • Light sensitivity (photophobia)
  • Decreased or blurred vision 
  • Floaters (presence of small shapes moving across your field of vision (floaters)
  • Loss of peripheral vision 
  • Dilated pupils

 

The symptoms experienced may vary depending upon what part of the eye is affected:

  • Anterior uveitis is frequently associated with pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, redness and small pupils
  • Intermediate uveitis often causes floaters and blurred vision, but is not usually associated with pain
  • Posterior uveitis can result in decreased or lost vision

 

Uveitis can also be described based on how long it lasts: 

  • Acute uveitis develops quickly and improves within 12 weeks
  • Recurrent uveitis is characterized by repeated episodes of inflammation separated by gaps of several months
  • Chronic uveitis is where the inflammation lasts for longer and returns within 12 weeks of stopping treatment

 

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