Eyes & Vision

Anterior uveitis

Inflammation of the iris and ciliary body causing a painful photophobic red eye; it needs urgent ophthalmic assessment because early treatment prevents synechiae and sight-threatening complications.

Definition

Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the anterior uveal tract, chiefly the iris and ciliary body, producing cells and flare in the anterior chamber. It is commonly idiopathic but may be associated with infection, trauma or systemic inflammatory disease.

First principles

Anterior uveitis is inflammation inside the eye, not simple conjunctivitis

Anterior uveitis affects the iris and ciliary body, producing cells and protein flare in the anterior chamber. Ciliary spasm causes deep ache and photophobia, while iris inflammation can produce miosis and posterior synechiae. The combination of pain, photophobia and visual change in a red eye should trigger urgent ophthalmic assessment rather than routine conjunctivitis treatment.

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