Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the eye’s middle layer comprising the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can affect one or more of these structures and threaten vision.

Blood–ocular barrier: A system of cellular barriers that regulates movement between blood and the eye’s internal tissues. Its disruption allows inflammatory cells and proteins to enter normally protected eye compartments.
Uvea: The pigmented middle layer of the eye, consisting of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Uveitis is defined by inflammation in this tissue layer.
Slit-lamp examination: A microscope-based examination that illuminates and magnifies the front structures of the eye. It reveals inflammatory cells and flare in the anterior chamber.
HLA-B27: A cell-surface protein variant associated with several inflammatory diseases, including some forms of uveitis. It is linked to acute, often recurrent anterior uveitis and certain spondyloarthritis conditions.
Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often in association with elevated intraocular pressure. Uveitis and its corticosteroid treatment can raise pressure and contribute to optic nerve damage.
Anterior uveitis: Uveitis primarily affecting the iris and often the anterior ciliary body. This common form produces inflammation in the front portion of the uvea.
Iris: The colored, contractile tissue that controls the pupil’s diameter. Inflammation here can cause pain, light sensitivity, and adhesions.
Dilated fundus examination: An examination of the retina and optic nerve after drops enlarge the pupil. It helps detect posterior inflammation and complications beyond the iris.
Ankylosing spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Its associated acute anterior uveitis may precede or accompany joint symptoms.
Cataract: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens that reduces vision. Chronic inflammation and corticosteroid exposure can accelerate lens clouding.

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