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A painful, red eye may seem like an isolated problem, but for some people, it can be a sign of inflammation connected to the immune system. On the Eye-Q Podcast, Dr. Rudrani Banik and uveitis specialist Dr. Deep Parikh explain how autoimmune disease can affect the eyes, which symptoms deserve attention, and why early diagnosis and treatment matter.
Topics Covered :
What is uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye. It can affect the front, middle or back of the eye, or involve the entire eye. According to Parikh, the location of the inflammation helps determine a patient’s symptoms and treatment.
Uveitis can occur alongside autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Crohn’s disease. Sometimes, eye inflammation appears before a person is diagnosed with a systemic condition. In other cases, an autoimmune diagnosis comes first.
Infections can also cause uveitis, Parikh notes, making a thorough evaluation important.
Uveitis symptoms to watch for
Uveitis symptoms can vary depending on where inflammation occurs. Inflammation at the front of the eye may cause pain, redness and light sensitivity. Inflammation farther back can cause new floaters, blind spots or vision loss.
Floaters can be difficult to distinguish from those caused by other conditions, Parikh says. Banik recommends having changes checked, especially an increase in floaters or floaters accompanied by blurry vision or light sensitivity. Significant eye pain, blurry vision or vision loss requires immediate attention.
How is uveitis diagnosed and treated?
A thorough eye examination can reveal inflammation that isn’t visible in a mirror. Parikh uses a slit-lamp microscope to look for inflammatory cells and examines the back of the eye, sometimes using imaging to provide additional information. He cautions that photographs alone may miss subtle signs.
Uveitis treatment depends on the location and severity of the inflammation. Steroid eye drops can help treat inflammation at the front of the eye. Inflammation affecting deeper structures may require oral medication, injections or medications that suppress the immune response.
Because uveitis can be linked to conditions elsewhere in the body, Parikh emphasizes communication among eye doctors, primary care physicians and other specialists, such as rheumatologists.
Managing uveitis over time
Some patients notice possible food triggers, but Parikh says evidence for eliminating specific foods to reduce eye inflammation is limited. He and Banik encourage patients to discuss supplements with their doctors, particularly if they take blood thinners.
For people with a history of uveitis, Parikh recommends regular follow-up appointments, a manageable stress-reduction routine and prompt care when a flare is suspected.
The takeaway: don’t ignore changes in your eyes or vision. Early evaluation can help identify inflammation and guide treatment before it causes lasting damage.
