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Poor vision
Sensitive to bright light
Eye redness
Eye pain
Light sensitivity
Blurred vision
Seeing less clearly
Colors look different
Objects look distorted or different
Pain behind eye
Can see small spots in vision
Floaters in vision
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
A type of eye inflammation that impacts the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall (uvea). Uveitis can be caused by infection, injury, or an autoimmune or inflammatory disease. It can be serious and lead to permanent vision loss, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
Uveitis treatment depends on the cause and the affected area of the eye. Most cases can be treated with steroid medication. If an infection is causing uveitis, it may also need treatment. Immunosuppressants may be recommended in some instances. In rare cases, surgery might be suggested for particularly severe uveitis.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Masashi Mimura, MD (Ophthalmology)
Dr. Mimura Graduated from the Osaka Medical College and obtained his ophthalmologist certification in 2007. He opened an outpatient clinic for oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery at Osaka Kaijo Hospital. Subsequently, he was appointed as the assistant professor at the Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, in 2014. He then served an international fellowship at the Department of Ophthalmology/Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, California State University, San Diego. Since then, he has been appointed as Lecturer in the Departments of Ophthalmology at Osaka Medical College and Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital. Dr. Mimura is currently the Director of Oculofacial Clinic Osaka, where he specializes in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Content updated on Jan 29, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Q.
Uveitis? Why Your Eye is Inflamed and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that can involve the front, middle, or back, leading to redness, pain, light sensitivity, floaters, and blurred vision; it may be caused by autoimmune disease, infections, injury, or have no known cause, and can threaten vision without prompt care. Medically approved next steps include urgent evaluation by an ophthalmologist and tailored treatment such as steroid and pupil dilating drops, antimicrobials for infections, and immunosuppressive or biologic therapy for chronic cases; there are several factors to consider, including red flags that need emergency care and how recovery and follow up are managed, so see the complete guidance below for details that could change your next steps.
References:
* Ozturk MA, Ozturk Z, Kaya R, et al. Uveitis: an update on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2022 Mar;50(2):160-170. doi: 10.1111/ceo.14022. Epub 2022 Jan 21. PMID: 35061159.
* Tabatabaei SA, Yazdani S, Karkhaneh R. Uveitis: Diagnostic Approach, Etiology, and Treatment in the Emergency Department. J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2023 Apr-Jun;18(2):238-251. doi: 10.18502/jovr.v18i2.13328. PMID: 37168925; PMCID: PMC10166258.
* Al-Salahat AA, Darwich I, Khatib Y, et al. Uveitis: a review of the etiology, classification, treatment, and outcomes. Int Ophthalmol. 2021 May;41(5):1611-1634. doi: 10.1007/s10792-021-01783-6. Epub 2021 Feb 24. PMID: 33630138.
* Invernizzi A, Pichi F, Vianello A, et al. Current Approaches to the Management of Uveitis. J Clin Med. 2021 Dec 21;11(1):21. doi: 10.3390/jcm11010021. PMID: 35011707; PMCID: PMC8750820.
* Agrawal R, Agrawal J, Agrawal S, et al. Overview of Uveitis. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2020 Dec;68(12):2885-2892. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_2091_20. PMID: 33234710; PMCID: PMC7771131.
Q.
Two-toned eyes? Central Heterochromia: Medical Facts & Next Steps
A.
Two-toned eyes with a different ring around the pupil are usually central heterochromia, a common genetic pigment variation that is harmless and does not affect vision. There are several factors to consider; see below for what causes it, how it differs from other heterochromia types, and when it is normal versus concerning. If the color is new or changing or you have pain, redness, light sensitivity, blurry vision, halos, a drooping eyelid, or recent eye injury, schedule an eye exam to rule out issues like uveitis, glaucoma, or Horner syndrome, and see the next steps, including when to seek urgent care, below.
References:
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29771120/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29118742/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32374351/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30127202/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29203923/
Q.
Heterochromia? Why Your Iris is Shifting & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Heterochromia and shifting iris color are often harmless if present since birth, but a new or progressive change can signal inflammation, medication effects from glaucoma drops, nerve issues like Horner syndrome, injury, or rarely tumors, so timing and symptoms matter. Document the change, schedule an ophthalmologist exam, and seek urgent care for pain, vision loss, severe redness, light sensitivity, a drooping eyelid, or unequal pupils; there are several factors to consider, and the key causes, red flags, and medically approved next steps are detailed below.
References:
* Kalita, J., Misra, U. K., & Maurya, S. K. (2018). Heterochromia: a review on its etiology and clinical significance. *Journal of Clinical Neurology*, *14*(4), 433-439. PMID: 29893049
* Pingault, V., et al. (2010). Waardenburg syndrome: a review of the clinical and molecular findings and genetic counseling implications. *Clinical Genetics*, *78*(3), 209-222. PMID: 20626572
* La Cava, M., & Al-Mansouri, Z. (2020). Fuchs' Heterochromic Iridocyclitis: An Update. *Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics*, *36*(10), 652-658. PMID: 32809986
* Sugimoto, M., et al. (2019). Prostaglandin Analogues and Ocular Pigmentation: A Review. *Ophthalmology and Therapy*, *8*(3), 395-406. PMID: 30972622
* Sturm, R. A., & Larsson, M. (2009). The genetics of human eye color. *Progress in Retinal and Eye Research*, *28*(5), 325-337. PMID: 19260
Q.
Stubborn Chalazion? Why Your Eyelid Is Swelling & Medical Next Steps
A.
A stubborn eyelid bump is most often a chalazion, a blocked oil gland causing gradual swelling; most improve with warm compresses and eyelid hygiene, but some persist. There are several factors to consider, including when to see a doctor if it lasts more than 4 to 6 weeks, grows, becomes painful, spreads redness, blurs vision, or keeps returning, and the full range of treatments from drops to steroid injection or minor drainage, plus rare look-alikes that need urgent care. See below for complete guidance, red flags, prevention tips, and how these details can change your next steps.
References:
* Pérez-Balbuena A, Sánchez-Navarro E, García-Delpech S, Fernández-Vega B, Calvo P, Benítez-Del-Castillo JM, Fernández-Vega Á, Hernández-Barahona J, Saornil MA, Teus MA. Management of chalazion: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Ophthalmol. 2021 May;99(3):234-245. doi: 10.1111/aos.14660. Epub 2020 Sep 28. PMID: 32986877.
* Jahadi R, Shahabi S, Salmasi A, Dehghani P. A Comparison of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection and Incision and Curettage in the Treatment of Chalazion: A Meta-Analysis. J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2022 Apr 14;17(2):299-307. doi: 10.18502/jovr.v17i2.10777. PMID: 35646193; PMCID: PMC9148003.
* Akinci M, Duman R, Gürsel O, Akman A. Chalazion Treatment Modalities: A Review of Literature. Turk J Ophthalmol. 2020 Feb 28;50(1):47-52. doi: 10.4274/tjo.galenos.2019.26002. PMID: 32133857; PMCID: PMC7058863.
* Al-Mujaini AS, Al-Khusaiby SM. Recurrent Chalazion: When to Suspect Malignancy? Oman J Ophthalmol. 2016 Jan-Apr;9(1):3-6. doi: 10.4103/0974-620X.173617. PMID: 26955219; PMCID: PMC4759881.
* Hosal BM, Zilelioglu G. Chalazion: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. Curr Eye Res. 2015;40(2):167-73. doi: 10.3109/02713683.2014.908050. Epub 2014 Apr 18. PMID: 24745811.
Q.
Sandpaper Eyes? Why Blepharitis Is Burning and Medically-Approved Relief Steps
A.
Blepharitis commonly causes gritty, burning sandpaper eyes by inflaming the eyelids and clogging oil glands that destabilize the tear film; it is chronic but usually manageable with consistent care. Medically approved relief starts with daily warm compresses, gentle lid cleansing, and preservative free artificial tears, with omega 3s or doctor prescribed treatments when home care is not enough, plus clear warning signs that need prompt evaluation. There are several factors to consider; see below for complete steps, triggers to address, and when to seek care that could influence your next healthcare decisions.
References:
* Rynne M, Bown C, Gupta R, et al. Blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction and rosacea-related dry eye disease: differential diagnosis and treatment options. Ther Adv Ophthalmol. 2023 Feb 1;15:25158414221150821. doi: 10.1177/25158414221150821. PMID: 36742617; PMCID: PMC9896010.
* Mastrota G, Mazza A. Blepharitis: classification, diagnosis, and management options for ocular health professionals. J Optom. 2020 Jul-Sep;13(3):145-156. doi: 10.1016/j.optom.2020.02.001. Epub 2020 Mar 20. PMID: 32204904; PMCID: PMC7355106.
* O'Dell LE. Blepharitis. Prim Care. 2020 Sep;47(3):395-401. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2020.04.004. Epub 2020 Jun 25. PMID: 32811520.
* Duncan K, Jeng BH. Blepharitis: a review of classification and contemporary management. Eye (Lond). 2017 Aug;31(8):1107-1115. doi: 10.1038/eye.2017.106. Epub 2017 Jun 2. PMID: 28574044; PMCID: PMC5563942.
* Lemp MA, Crews LA, Bron AJ, et al. Ocular Surface Disease: The Blepharitis-Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Connection. Am J Ophthalmol. 2017 Jul;179:151-158. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2017.03.040. Epub 2017 Apr 8. PMID: 28400033.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1Duplechain A, Conrady CD, Patel BC, et al. Uveitis. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540993/González MM, Solano MM, Porco TC, Oldenburg CE, Acharya NR, Lin SC, Chan MF. Epidemiology of uveitis in a US population-based study. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect. 2018 Apr 17;8(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s12348-018-0148-5. PMID: 29666980; PMCID: PMC5904090.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5904090/Thorne JE, Suhler E, Skup M, et al. Prevalence of Noninfectious Uveitis in the United States: A Claims-Based Analysis. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2016;134(11):1237–1245. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2016.3229
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2551695