Overview
Idiopathic posterior uveitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the back part of the eye, specifically the choroid (a layer of blood vessels behind the retina) and sometimes the retina itself. The word "idiopathic" means that no specific cause can be identified, even after thorough testing. This sets it apart from posterior uveitis caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other known conditions. The inflammation can lead to blurred vision, floaters (small spots or threads drifting across your field of vision), and sometimes flashes of light. In more severe cases, it can cause significant vision loss if not treated promptly. Some people experience mild symptoms that come and go, while others have chronic inflammation that requires long-term management. Treatment typically focuses on controlling the inflammation and preventing damage to the eye. Corticosteroids, given as eye drops, injections around or inside the eye, or oral tablets, are the most common first-line therapy. For patients who need long-term treatment or cannot tolerate steroids, immunosuppressive medications may be used. Early diagnosis and consistent follow-up with an eye specialist are essential to preserving vision and preventing complications such as macular edema, cataracts, or glaucoma.
Key symptoms:
Blurred or hazy visionFloaters (spots or threads in your vision)Flashes of lightGradual loss of visionDifficulty seeing in dim lightDistorted visionBlind spots or dark areas in your visual fieldEye redness (less common than in front-of-eye inflammation)Sensitivity to lightEye pain or discomfort (mild in many cases)
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Idiopathic posterior uveitis.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Idiopathic posterior uveitis.
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Caregiver Resources
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Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What part of my eye is affected, and how severe is the inflammation right now?,Have all possible causes been ruled out, and what tests were done?,What treatment do you recommend, and what are the potential side effects?,How often will I need follow-up appointments and eye exams?,What are the warning signs that I should come back sooner than my next scheduled visit?,Is there a risk of permanent vision loss, and what can we do to minimize it?,Should I see any other specialists, such as a rheumatologist?
Common questions about Idiopathic posterior uveitis
What is Idiopathic posterior uveitis?
Idiopathic posterior uveitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the back part of the eye, specifically the choroid (a layer of blood vessels behind the retina) and sometimes the retina itself. The word "idiopathic" means that no specific cause can be identified, even after thorough testing. This sets it apart from posterior uveitis caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other known conditions. The inflammation can lead to blurred vision, floaters (small spots or threads drifting across your field of vision), and sometimes flashes of light. In more severe cases, it can cause sign
How is Idiopathic posterior uveitis inherited?
Idiopathic posterior uveitis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Idiopathic posterior uveitis typically begin?
Typical onset of Idiopathic posterior uveitis is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Idiopathic posterior uveitis?
1 specialists and care centers treating Idiopathic posterior uveitis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.