1.       Eye is a spherical structure like a ball and its wall is composed of 3 layers - innermost retina, middle one called uvea (sandwiched  bet­ween  retina and sclera) and the outer most called sclera (white portion of the eye as seen from outside.)

    2.       Inflammation of uvea is called uveitis. If inflammation is confined to front portions of uvea, it is called anterior uveitis (or iridocyclitis)  and  if  inflammation is of back portions of uvea,  it  is  called posterior uveitis (or choroiditis). 

    3.       Causes of disease are multiple but in the majority, no cause can  be found.  Known causes include certain associated joint diseases  (arthri­tis), infections of the body (e.g. tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis), skin & immun­ity disorders etc. Among unknown causes, presumable viral infections and allergy play a role.

    4.       Symptoms include :

• For anterior uveitis : redness, pain (mild to severe),  water­ing, photophobia, blurring of vision etc.
• For posterior uveitis : blurring of vision, floaters, etc. 

    5.       Uveitis  is a blinding disease if not detected and  treated  early. Careless examiner might miss it as a simple conjunctivitis.  Slit lamp (microscopic) and fundus (Direct and Indirect ophthalmoscopy) examina­tion is must for any suspected uveitis..

    6.       Treatment includes steroids in the form of drops, ointment, eye injec­tions (subconjunctival, etc.) or tablets depending upon the severity of the dis­ease, cycloplegics (atropine substitutes) to give rest to the eye. 

    7.       Treatment has to be taken for sufficient period and   gradually reduced (tapering according to doctor's advice as otherwise disease can flare up or recur.

In quiet a few cases, recurrence of disease is likely even after months or years, hence periodic follow up is essential & any redness or pain in same or the other eye must be immediately reported.