(ū‵vē-īt'ĭs )

[uvea + -itis]

A nonspecific term for any intraocular inflammatory disorder. The uveal tract structures (iris, ciliary body, and choroid) are usually involved, but other nonuveal parts of the eye, including the retina and cornea, may be involved. SYN: vitritis.

Treatment: Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents, including cyclosporine, are used in treating some causes of uveitis, but their use may make some types of uveitus worse.

Short-acting cycloplegic agents such as hematropine, scopolamine, or cyclopentolate are used during therapy to prevent inflammatory adhesions (posterior synechiae) between the iris and lens.

diffuse u.Panuveitis.

endogenous u.Uveitis not associated with any infections, of known or unknown cause. It is thought to be due to an autoimmune phenomenon.

intermediate u.Pars planitis.

sympathetic u.Severe bilateral uveitis that starts as inflammation of the uveal tract of one eye resulting from a puncture wound. The injured eye is termed the exciting eye.

High-dose corticosteroids are often effective.

SEE: exciting eye; sympathetic ophthalmia.