Overview
Non-infectious anterior uveitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the front part of the eye, specifically the iris and the area just behind it called the ciliary body. Unlike infectious forms of uveitis, this condition is not caused by a germ such as a virus or bacteria. Instead, the immune system mistakenly attacks the eye's own tissues, leading to inflammation. It is sometimes called non-infectious iritis or non-infectious iridocyclitis. The main symptoms include eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, and sometimes seeing floating spots. The condition can affect one or both eyes and may come and go in episodes called flares. If left untreated, repeated or prolonged inflammation can lead to serious complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, or permanent vision loss. Non-infectious anterior uveitis can occur on its own or alongside other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sarcoidosis, or inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment typically involves corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation, along with drops to dilate the pupil and relieve pain. In more stubborn or recurring cases, doctors may prescribe oral immunosuppressive medications or biologic therapies. Early diagnosis and consistent follow-up with an eye specialist are essential to protect vision and prevent long-term damage.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Eye pain or achingEye rednessSensitivity to light (photophobia)Blurred or cloudy visionSeeing floating spots or specksTearing or watery eyesSmall or irregularly shaped pupilHeadache around the affected eyeDecreased vision over time if untreatedFeeling of pressure in the eyeWorsening symptoms in bright environments
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Non-infectious anterior 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 Non-infectious anterior uveitis.
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is causing my uveitis, and should I be tested for an underlying autoimmune condition?,Should I be tested for HLA-B27, and what would a positive result mean for me?,How often will I need eye exams to monitor for complications like glaucoma or cataracts?,What are the risks of long-term corticosteroid eye drop use, and when should we consider other treatments?,Are there signs I should watch for that would require emergency care?,If I have children, should they be screened for this condition?,What lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of flares?
Common questions about Non-infectious anterior uveitis
What is Non-infectious anterior uveitis?
Non-infectious anterior uveitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the front part of the eye, specifically the iris and the area just behind it called the ciliary body. Unlike infectious forms of uveitis, this condition is not caused by a germ such as a virus or bacteria. Instead, the immune system mistakenly attacks the eye's own tissues, leading to inflammation. It is sometimes called non-infectious iritis or non-infectious iridocyclitis. The main symptoms include eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, and sometimes seeing floating spots. The condition
How is Non-infectious anterior uveitis inherited?
Non-infectious anterior uveitis follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Non-infectious anterior uveitis?
11 specialists and care centers treating Non-infectious anterior uveitis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.