Uvea is an inflammatory reaction inside the eye. It affects the pigmented layer of the eye called uvea, which lies beneath the sclera and cornea and comprises of the iris, ciliary body and choroid. Sometimes Uvea can also affect retina, lens, optic nerve and vitreous. Uvea is common in working age adults.
Anterior Uvea- affects the front of the eye, normally the iris (iritis) or the ciliary body (iridocyclitis). Iritis needs quite close monitoring because complications such as raised eye pressure and cataracts could occur.
Intermediate Uvea- affects the middle of the eye, the ciliary body (cyclitis) or the pars plana (pars planitis). This could also cause floaters. Posterior Uvea- affects the back of the eye, the part of the uvea is called the choroid. An inflammation in the choroid is called choroiditis. The inflammation may also arise in, or affect, the retina (retinitis) or the blood vessels at the back of the eye (vasculitis).
Anterior uvea usually has a good prognosis. There is always a risk of repeated attacks in the future. Posterior uvea involving central retina can impair visual loss permanently. Glaucoma due to uvea is difficult to treat and may cause permanent visual loss. Cataract surgery in uvea may have good results if adequate measures are taken.