Types of Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye between the retina and the white part of the eye known as the sclera. It is comprised of the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. These layers contain many blood vessels — the veins, arteries and capillaries — that carry blood to and from the eye. Because the uvea nourishes many important parts of the eye (such as the retina), inflammation of the uvea can damage your sight.

There are several types of uveitis, defined by the part of the eye where it occurs.

50% of the time, uveitis is idiopathic, meaning that an underlying etiology may not be found. A systemic workup is often recommended to rule out other potential causes such as associated autoimmune disease, infection, or even malignancy.