---
title: "Uveitis | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What uveitis is, why eye inflammation causes pain, redness and light sensitivity, and why prompt treatment matters to protect sight. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/uveitis/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Uveitis

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. It can cause eye pain, redness, light sensitivity and blurred vision, and it needs prompt assessment and treatment by an eye specialist to prevent complications that could affect sight.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and risk factors
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Practical guides
9. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris. It can come on suddenly or develop gradually, and because it can affect vision if untreated, it should be assessed quickly by an eye specialist.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms can affect one or both eyes.

- Eye pain and redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Floaters or a small, irregular pupil

## Causes and risk factors

Uveitis is often linked to autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, and sometimes to infections or eye injury. In many cases no specific cause is found. It can affect people of any age.

## Treatment

Uveitis is usually treated by an eye specialist with steroid eye drops or other anti-inflammatory treatment to settle the inflammation and prevent complications. Prompt treatment and follow-up are important, and any underlying condition may also need managing. Seek urgent advice for a painful red eye with light sensitivity or blurred vision.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Practical guides

## Frequently asked questions

### Is uveitis serious?

Uveitis needs prompt attention because, if untreated, the inflammation can lead to complications that affect vision. With timely treatment, most people do well.

### What does uveitis feel like?

It often causes a painful, red eye with sensitivity to light and blurred vision. These symptoms warrant a prompt eye assessment.

### Does uveitis come back?

Uveitis can recur, especially when linked to an underlying inflammatory condition, so follow-up with an eye specialist is important.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Uveitis](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/uveitis)