Overview

Uveitis (say "you-vee-EYE-tus") is swelling and tenderness of the middle layer of the eye. This area includes the coloured part of the eye (iris), muscles, and blood vessels. One or both of your eyes may be swollen, red, and painful. You may have blurred vision.

You may have gotten uveitis from an infection, but the cause is often not known.

There are three main types of uveitis.

• Anterior uveitis is the most common type. This is pain and swelling of the front part of the eye. It is treated with eyedrops or ointment.
• Intermediate uveitis affects the middle of the eye. It may be treated with eyedrops or with medicine given in a shot.
• Posterior uveitis is the least common type. It affects the back of the eye. This is usually treated with medicine given in a shot or taken by mouth.

It is important to treat uveitis. Treatment can save your eyesight and avoid permanent damage to your eyes.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Use any prescribed eyedrops or ointments exactly as your doctor told you to.
• Keep the eyedropper or bottle tip clean.
• If you are using eyedrops and an ointment, put in the eyedrops before you use the ointment.
• To put in eyedrops or ointment:
  • Tilt your head back, and pull your lower eyelid down with one finger.
  • Drop or squirt the medicine inside the lower lid.
  • Close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops or ointment move around.
  • Do not touch the ointment or dropper tip to your eyelashes or any other surface.
• Wear sunglasses if light hurts your eyes.
• Do not wear contact lenses until your eyes have healed.
• Do not wear eye makeup until your eyes have healed.
• Do not drive if you have blurred vision.